March - Turn (Fortunate Son Records) Reviewed By Nick Quantrill

Out of print until now, this low-profile side project from Jeff Caudill and Michael Baines was originally released in 1995. Conceived as a temporary respite for Caudill from the pop-punk of his band Gameface, this record allowed him to create a roots record that signposted the way forward for his future endeavours. Following the eventual demise of Gameface in 2003 and subsequent solo releases, Caudill has repackaged and reissued this record on his own label to demonstrate his musical development.

As befitting a side project, this record allows him to explore a different musical style with a lack of pretension and a sense of urgency. Appropriately for a project entitled March, the record has that feeling of promise that the season of spring brings. The rootsy opener, This River, has a warmth to it that invites you to fall into the album and proves that Ryan Adams doesn't have exclusive rights on evoking this kind of feeling. The 'college rock' sound of this record is probably best described as an indie take on alt-country that falls somewhere between the classic acoustic pop of The Lemonheads and the heavier indie-rock of Buffalo Tom.

Caudill's pop-punk background means that strong melodies and thoughtful lyrics are a required necessity and with the help of multi-instrumentalist Baines, he doesn't disappoint. The projects only failing comes with the sense that a couple of the later tracks tread ground already covered on the record. Given that Caudill was actively writing for Gameface at this point in time, it's entirely understandable that he was going to carefully choose material. However, everything is delivered with a compelling honesty as the band creates a cohesive collection of songs.

Viewed in the context of a blossoming solo career, reissuing this record is a worthwhile step. With solo releases The Way Back and Acoustic EPs being necessary stepping-stones to his excellent 2005 full-length debut, Here's What You Should Do, this record is where the transformation from indie-punk frontman to something of more substance first starts. It's both an interesting chapter in the musical development of Jeff Caudill and a distinctively American sounding alt-country/indie record that stands the test of time. For further details and booking information see: www.jeffcaudill.com www.myspace.com/jeffcaudill

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