For those of you that reside in the sprawling metropolis that is the D/FW region, this might not be “breaking news”, but for those of you that do not call this area home, please continue (you can contine, regardless of where you live, now that I think about it). I have mentioned Ft. Worth’s Telegraph Canyon before, but recent events demand that I go into greater detail at this time. I have been to not one, but two shows at the House of Blues in Dallas where the 7 piece ensemble opened for a well-known and rocking band (that number seems to change, as the violin player didn’t perform with them the second time I saw them). Playing before both the Drive By Truckers as well as Ryan Bingham, I was provided with more than a simple opportunity to finally see the band that I have heard a good it about in the Dallas media perform live. I was also impressed by how a group that shares more sonic traits with Arcade Fire than they do with The Bottle Rockets not only open for these southern-rocking acts, but seemingly turn the initially quizzical looks they received into raucous cheers and beer-can salutes in the span of a song or two. They’ll have another chance to conduct some conversions soon when they open for Slobberbone as the sweaty and beloved rockers perform another heaven-sent “reunion show” at the end of the month in Dallas.
With the set-lists drawing chiefly from their fantastic new CD, The Tide and The Current, Chris Johnson provides a fierce presence as the intense front-man. As compelling as he can be, it was impossible for me to not be drawn in and blown away by the numbers like “Into the Woods” and “Shake Your Fist”. When the melody slowly builds and releases into a climactic and jubilant conclusion, the entire stage seems to bounce with each drum beat. Similar to when I wondered whether another buzzed-about Dallas act, The O’s, were over-hyped or merely appreciated properly, I cant help but feel as though Telegraph Canyon (Official / Myspace) has also earned the generous praise and ample amount of ink that has come their way.
LISTEN: 5 Tracks from Telegraph Canyon’s The Tide & The Current LP
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2 Responses
I wouldn’t say their critical praise is unwarranted. This is their second lauded album and The O’s only had one CD and had the critics creaming their pants. Don’t get me wrong, The O’s are good, but, I like TG a little bit better.
oh, i agree with you on all counts. I think the attention they have seen is fair, but each year, there are 4-5 bands that seem to get more coverage, hype or whatever than other bands some deserve it and some dont…