Indie roots rock with a great blend of acoustic guitar sensibilities, vibrant electric instrumentation and a soothing blend of percussive techniques. Arresting lyrics and great storytelling as roots rocks should be.

9 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Roots Rock, FOLK: Folk Pop



Details:
On Maple
The freshman effort of The Pleegs is a raw cross-section of musical styles: at times gritty and determined, other moments more subdued and introspective. The changing, often dramatic style shift of one song to the next completely mirrors the emotions the band experienced when writing the songs.

Theyâll tell you they were just trying their hand at writing songs, not sure what to expect, hoping to not disappoint or embarrass themselves. Because the band members had so many musical influences, settling on one style was not only difficult but seemed to be completely contrary to their personalities.

And so rather than obsess about creating a particular sound, the band focused on simply telling stories through music. Strip away the fluctuating styles and notice how the lyrics instantly take you to someplace familiar â you can relate. While the music moves from R & B grooves to straight-on Americana rock and roll, the message are all very clear and personal to the listener.

The ebb and flow of the album caught the attention of famous Chicago area clubs and the band quickly found itself headlining the stages of Wide Fool's Pub, Gunther Murphy's and The Elbo Room.

More success followed the band and in particular for principal songwriters Jack Hojnar and Willy Steele when their stripped-down tale of broken relationships, "Don't Go," was purchased for production by a country music group.

On Maple moves like the soundtrack to the movie of your life -- joy, sorrow, frustration, love and lust -- all captured in an urgent and sincere way. Songs such as "It's Not Ok" embrace the realities of war, regardless of political persuasion. "Crazy Love" explodes with the energy of a heated relationship where desire numbs the senses and all rational brain functions disconnect. And finally, just when you were ready to let go, the album brings the beauty of life to simple perspective reminding you of summer, hot dogs and carnival rides with "The Boardwalk."