Reviews
Chuckanut Drive: The Crooked Mile Home
By Jaired Denali, What's Up Magazine, January 2006
I’ve been looking for a way around using it, I didn’t want to dive into the pratfalls or stereotypes of describing "country" music, but when talking about Chuckanut Drive and their latest release The Crooked Mile Home, I have no choice but to use the word twang. From the vibrato on lead singer Steve Leslie's voice, to the note-bending lap steal guitar solos on songs like "Eight Days," twang runs rabid through this release. Good ol' boot wearin' straw chewin' twang.
Chuckanut Drive's talent seems to lie in their ability to set moods. From the echoing sadness of "Juanita," to the foot stomping guitar licks of "Any Way I Can," I was constantly shifting my emotions, and hand tappin' to follow along with the songs.
Overall this is a solid album of well crafted and thought out music. The quality of the recording will never have you questing wether this group is professional, or that it's made up of talented musicians who know what they have to offer, and don’t hesitate to put it out there. I look forward to hearing how Chuckanut Drive will continue to evolve, and will make sure to check out their next local show to see if their onstage presence can match this disc.