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Reviews:
THE TRAVELLER-A WORTHWHILE JOURNEY
by Larry Long
THrill Magazine October, 98
I had the opportunity to listen to a recently released album, The Traveller,
by a local band: Paul Bertsch and Adam's Brother. While not my usual music
style, I liked it as a representative of folk-style rock. It is an easy
listening mix with good vocals and acoustic-dominated guitar work. It is
reminiscent of a blend of early Bob Dylan and REM with folk-style harmonica
and the acoustic guitar.
Paul Bertsch does an excellent job with the vocals, guitar and harmonica.
The lyrics and music are also his work and show much creativity. John Dufek
does the percussion work well within the limits of this musical style. Neal
Edward Wagner handles the electric bass and harmony vocals. Dufek and
Wagner seem to compliment each other's work.
All but one song was recorded at the Imperial Sound Studios of Terre Haute
by Eric O'Brien. It is a very professional job and I'm glad that there is
someone in this area with his skill level. It is a high-quality recording
with very crisp sound. While maybe not as clear a sound with the high end a
little muddy, the last track was recorded in Brownsburg, Indiana at
Renaissance Engineering. The difference is very subtle and will probably
not be noticeable to most people.
For people who like easy listening folk rock, this would be an excellent
addition to their collection. I think this is evidence of the rich blend of
music available in this area.
* * *
Music Review: ADAM'S BROTHER
by Steve McIrvin and Marcie Kam
The Rose Thorn (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's student newspaper)
October 23, 1998
In their debut release "The Traveller", Adam's Brother delivers a
combination of solid acoustic instrumentation, thought -provoking lyrics and
top-notch vocals that highlight the talent of lead vocalist Paul Bertsch. A
sure-fire winner for classic rock and folk fans of all ages, this first CD
from the local band also articulates those deep-seated questions that keep
us college students up at night. As smooth as Adam's Brother sounds on CD,
the trio sounds even better up close and personal-they'll be performing a
free concert of covers from U2, Eric Clapton, REM, Bob Dylan and self
written sets this Friday, October 23 from 7-9 p.m. in the Worx. Come out
for the music, stay for the coffee and conversation at this free event.
Right away you'll notice a contrast between powerful lyrics and vocals and
harmonica solos, which reminded me of a cross between Alanis Morisette,
America and REM during the title-track of "The Traveller", blending well
with the acoustic guitar and background harmonies. I was amazed at the
complex interweaving of masterful guitar and harmonica as the lyrics of "The
Traveller" banged around in my head days later. These key elements continue
throughout the disc, so don't be surprised when you start humming along or
tapping your foot; but while you sing along don't forget to listen to
what's being said.
My favorite piece on the CD has got to be track 7 "There You Were" whose
verse ends, "Til I screamed 'Hey, this is me'/Sitting underneath a
tree/Asking questions so profound". The song speaks of the search that we
all go through to find meaning in life, and ends with the writer's quest
being fulfilled with a message of hope for those without "all the answers".
Looking back, I'll have to admit that this CD has caused me to rethink my
entire outlook on modern acoustic folk/rock. While once relegating it to
the music of years passed, "The Traveller" has brought my tastes squarely in
line with the 90's era of talented bands with a pertinent message. Thanks,
Adam's Brother, for the wake-up call.
* * *
"The Traveller" Finds Good, Bad in Life
Terre Haute Tribune-Star, Oct. 30 1998
By M. Mindy Moretti
Although today's music is splintered into so many different directions-both
innovative and formulaic-some groups, such as Paul Bertsch and Adam's
Brother, have found their niche and uncompromisingly stick with it.
"The Traveller" is the band's first release and one it wrote and produced on
its own. Recorded and mixed at Imperial Studios in Terre Haute (Indiana),
"the Traveller" is a folksy tribute to the good and bad in life.
In one breath sound very Dylanesque and in the next sounding completely
original, Bertsch and the band don't really follow any rules but their own.
Bertsch has admitted that thematically the band's music does have a
Christian slant, but, like much of today's Christian music, the songs on
"The Traveller" don't come across as overly preachy and self-righteous.
That doesn't mean none of the songs come across as proselytizing because
"Infidel" gets a little high on its horse, and frankly, that song is also
the weakest musically, which might be why the lyrics become so evident. But
this track is one of the exceptions to the disc.
There's something about most of the songs like "Beautiful Dream," and the
combination of upbeat lyrics and soothing acoustic guitars that puts the
listener in a good mood but not in a saccharine kind of way.
Some songs, like "Private Conversation," just seem to touch a chord. For
whatever reason, be it the combination of the lyrics and the music or each
on their own, the song sticks with you. And that's the simple fact about
much of the music on the disc. While you can't really put a finger on why,
the music sticks with you.
Paul Bertsch and Adam's Brother have been together for about 10 years and
Bertsch said he's excited about the musical direction the band is taking.
If "The Traveller" is any clue, listeners are in for a fun trip.
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