Whistlin' Charlie release debut album

May 15, 3:20 PMBaltimore Band ExaminerJeff Schad

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Whistlin' Charlie courtesy of Joshmo's Productions

Fledgling Baltimore band Whistlin' Charlie has released their eponymous debut album, a work that shows overall potential and some shining moments, yet is somewhat lacking in production quality.

The Whistlin' Charlie sound ranges from reverb-driven guitar, strong drum and bass combinations and funk to a distinct jam-band sound. They deliver quite a variation of approaches on this album, but unfortunately never really seem to solidify a particular foundation or definition of what syle Whistlin' Charlie is all about. That can be good or bad on an initial album; only time will tell if they build on this approach in future releases by focusing on their strengths rather than trying to showcase the full range of their still not fully developed capabilities.

What are these strengths? Wistlin' Charlie vocalist/guitarist Jonathan Caplan sings well throughout the album, sounding like a budding Jerry Garcia mixed with a hint of Ian Anderson. It works well, however Caplan should vary his approach just a bit more to avoid too much sameness throughout the tracks. Hopefully he will demonstrate the range that seems to be poised in his vocals but isn't heard quite enough on this work.

Caplan's guitar work shines at moments, but also needs to be developed. They may want to consider adding another guitarist for a deeper, richer sound. But the basic guitar arrangements are good not great, and signify that Caplan has plenty of ability with the axe.

Bassist Garrett Long is on-point throughout the album, shining through with strong basslines that frankly almost overpower at times, but not quite so much as to be a turn off.

Drummer Jon Steele matches up wtih Long several times on some great drum and bass combinations, yet in many points on the album the cymbals come across very tinny and too loud, the point at which it seems that production could have mitigated this output and refined the sound.

Overall this is a good but not great indie debut effort; an album for drivng through the countryside on a warm day with the sun shining and the windows down, feeling the wind blow and enjoying their groovy sound. Musicheads should take the opportunity to check them out live to get the real feel for this up and coming Baltimore Band. And what does Whistlin' Charlie have to say for themselves?

Whistlin' Charlie formed in the springtime. Bees were busy buzzing and pollinating all the dormant flowers. One day, when the air was just right, all the forces of the mother nature coalesced and created a new rock sound that had never been heard, nor seen. So on and so on...

Whistlin' Charlie is an indie rock trio from Baltimore. We are inspired by lots of music. Haunting melodies from a dark russian soul. Frantic, feverish, flesh roiling funk, head smashing punk. Basslines that hynotize your starry eyes, and all parties fraternize harmoniously. But underneath it all is bedrock. Heavy, solid, rock.

We want to play at your party. We want to play at your church. We want to play in your bedroom and seep our way into your dreams until you wake up screaming, "Whistlin' Charlie Stole My Soul!"

You can catch Whistlin' Charlie at the following shows: