The Jim Ivins Band, the self-proclaimed “acoustic-driven pop rock” band from Richmond, VA, recently released its self-titled EP, a refreshing collection of catchy, guitar-infused and relationship-exploring songs. The Band is exactly what it promises to be and stays true to its acoustic routes and influences.
The quartet knows and exploits its strengths: Jim Ivins’s memorable choruses that beg a sing-along, back-up vocals from guitarist Drew Martin and bassist Bobby Gary creating occasional harmonies to underscore fun yet not meaningless lyrics, commanding acoustic melodies, and grounding drums from Jack Ivins. This formula is evident in the EP’s first track, “Fall Flat,” which has a spirited, quick rhythm and tune and strong musicianship on all counts.
Ivins’s vocals are at their best on the second song, “Back to Reality,” which is one of the two tracks produced by Ace Enders (The Early November). The varied dynamics he is capable of are a surprise following the first, more mellow and uniform song. Martin’s guitars dominate the chorus and can blast through any car speaker during a speedy summer road trip, and Jack punctuates his brother’s lyrics with energized drums.
“The Chance” is the other Ace Enders-produced track, and is equally catchy and musically explosive. This lively lamenting of a desired love asks to be played over and over until the sweet strumming is ingrained in your head.
The Jim Ivins band takes its biggest risk in its fourth track, “Every Day is Another Goodbye.” The Band slows its tempo, and Ivins maintains notes on the higher end of his range, an attempt at an ethereal sound but more on the whiny side of what a decent cover of a Dashboard Confessional song might sound like. Nevertheless, the more pointed and heartfelt lines in this song like “So, now, you’re just a lyric I have to sing” and the supporting acoustic melody return to the track its softness and clarity.
The final track “How to Hold On” reflects the rest of the EP musically but is not as capturing as the first three songs. The lyrical exploration of the unknown and a lost love is pleasant to bop along to. The track ends with a repetition of “Even though you’re gone just want to know you’re not leaving,” accented by ascending guitars and drums that seem to converse with one another as well as background vocal calls that generate a strong, emotional final build to finish off the EP definitively.
At just over 18 minutes long, The Jim Ivins Band EP is beyond worth the listen for its musical chemistry and hooks that are irresistible to hum along.
***.5/*****
Check out The Jim Ivins Band on Myspace.
