I think a more pressing point is this - why is it that what we watch has gotten exponentially better over the last few years (Blu-Ray, HD, LCD flat screen, etc.), but what we listen to has only gotten worse?Crush (2010)
The song “What I Say” was released on the debut Raftree album entitled "The Long Way" and becomes memorable after the very first listening. This is possible thanks to repetitive instrumental parts that are utilized to build the song structure. However, if you listen closely to the sound of every instrument involved, you will be able to pick out a few intriguing parts played on bass (Scott Jackson), drums (Vincent Livolsi) and guitars (Paul J. Baccash) which break into melodic recurrence with interesting episodes; once a guitar solo, then a unisono, where emphatic vocals interlace with grasping guitar riffs. The musicians compliment each other's playing, but also the song construction allows for their own separate talents to show. If they ever decided to make guest appearances on releases from other artist their musicianship would most certainly guarantee them to be welcomed with open arms.
Hailing from New Jersey, Raftree seems to have their own music style which contains the guitar driven musical influences of the last few decades, however they have their own distinct sound. “What I Say” sounds very 'American Rock' because of the vocals and guitar riffs. Also, it is short enough for the purposes of commercial radio play and long enough to get the most out of it.
This song is the perfect solution if you like solid and predatory heavy rock in conjunction with interestingly arranged bass lines, professional yet not intrusive guitar riffs, well laid drum beats and Ken Raftree's strong voice, who sings naturally without leaning on the auto-tuning trend as many modern vocalists sometimes do.
Are your seat belts on? Volume set loud enough? All right, let's go then!
(Katarzyna NINa Górnisiewicz, August 7th, 2011. Proofreading: Scott M. Owens)
Album review + publishing
Raftree - What I Say (song review) |self-released, The Long Way, 2009| 
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