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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Review: Bohemian Grove - Bohemian Grove


Bohemian Grove - Bohemian Grove
2009, Bohemian Grove


Bohemian Grove is a Tallahassee, Florida based band that dabbles in Jazz, Rock & Blues. Lead vocalist Mitch Neubauer and bassist Jeff Davis currently form the core of Bohemian Grove. Bohemian Grove takes its name from the California campground of the Bohemia Club, one of the most exclusive all-male clubs in the world. Membership includes world leaders, captains of industry, artists, musicians and the generally filthy rich. The Grove is their escape from the world, and is often the meeting place from which major political and financial decisions are made. Bohemian Grove is in the process of recording their full-length debut, but submitted a demo entitled Bohemian Grove for review.

Bohemian Grove opens with Creature Habits, a jazz flavored light rock tune with strong and enjoyable vocals from Mitch Neubauer. It's a smart arrangement with jazz and funk influences that will have your toes tapping almost immediately. Next up is Disappearing Coast, a meandering waltz that allows Neubauer to really open his pipes with soulful vocals that drill through you. The arrangement here isn't terribly complex, but Neubauer creates a lot of interesting texture and rhythms with his guitar that make Disappearing Coast a delightful listen. Walk Away has a delicious blues feel to it and is likely to get stuck in your head. How's It Feel has an easy-pop feel to it, vaguely reminiscent of Hootie & The Blowfish. Kate's Song is an introspective love song exploring the giddiness of new love.

Bohemian Grove is a very eclectic mix of jazz, funk and singer-songwriter pastiche, all in a mellow, easy listening package. This is a feel-good, enjoyable recording that is pleasant to listen to. Neubauer's voice soars across the five songs presented here in a majestic manner. Bohemian Grove isn't a highly commercial project, but is likely to engender a small core of very devoted fans.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Bohemian Grove at www.myspace.com/bohemiangroveonline. Bohemian Grove will be releasing a full length album in 2009.

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