The small college town of Athens, GA, has a lively music scene and has launched the careers of many successful bands including R.E.M. and The B-52’s. Another band which made a name for itself playing the clubs of Athens is Lullwater. Named for the street they used to jam on, Lullwater has recently released a self-titled CD with a real nineties rock influence.
The band consists of brothers John and Brett Strickland on lead vocals and lead guitar, Roy “Ray” Beatty on bass, and Joe Wilson on drums. After relocating to the northwest, the new record was recorded at London Bridge Studios and produced by Jonathan Plum. Drawing on the famed Seattle sound of bands like Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, “Lullwater” was recorded on tape to produce a raw, alternative rock sound.
Having played so many live shows, the band sounds incredibly tight and polished. The songs are edgy and in your face with tight, distorted guitar riffs and a rock solid rhythm section. The brash vocals of John Strickland are a great fit for their overall sound. Standout tracks include the opener “Oddline” and the rocking “Albatross.” The second half of the record takes a slower approach feeding off the emotions on tracks like “Walk On By” and “Hello.”
“Lullwater” is a great mix of alternative rock ala the Hives or the Strokes and the signature sounds of nineties Seattle rock. Don’t miss out on the next big band out of Athens. Give this one a listen today.
