Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers - On Being

Joe Hertler is a singer-songwriter from East Lansing who has been quickly gaining momentum in the Midwest scene, and it's easy to see why; the songs on his debut album On Being are charming, listenable, and melodious. Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers are mining an area of poppy country-tinged folk rock that has both a very broad appeal and allows a lot of room for creative growth. On Being has a particular emphasis on a really upbeat, hopeful sound: the guitars are bright, the drums relent, and the banjo rollicks right alongside harmonicas and handclaps. It's mostly centered around Joe Hertler's voice, which can be both soulful and precious within any one song- it's when On Being relies on this preciousness that it can falter slightly and border on insular, sometimes reaching a bit too hard for delicate sentimentality. Still, the dynamic shifts between energetic and atmospheric ("Carbon C14") and the strong percussion ("We Are Everything") offer ample variety, and there are some delightfully unexpected creative flourishes at work here, like when the group nods towards an electro-pop influence on "What it Feels Like to Drown". On Being is an enjoyable record, aurally tuned to the Midwest's fall-winter transition and showcasing a bourgeoning Michigan talent bound to be on everyone's radar soon. You can stream the album and pick it up on bandcamp here. Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers are playing shows around Michigan pretty consistently, and I've been told they put on a damn fine show. Keep an eye out for tour dates on their Facebook. - MostlyMidwest.com --- credits released 08 November 2011 All songs written by Joe Hertler Engineered, Produced, and Mixed by Kevin Pritchard Additional Production by The Rainbow Seeker Production Team of America Additional mixing provided by the Extended Rainbow Seekers Network Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica by Joe Hertler Background Vocals, Electric Guitar, Bird Screetch and Broomstick by Ryan Hoger Electric Bass, Upright Bass and Background Vocals by Kevin Pritchard Drums and Auxiliary Percussion by Rick Hale Additional Gang Vocals provided by Aaron Stinson Violin and Viola by Alex Applegate Trumpet by Ross Hoksbergen Managed by Irving Ronk Mastered by Jim Roll of Backseat Productions.

1) Ego Loss on Grand River Avenue
2) We Are Everything
3) Oh Dear Lover
4) Carbon C14
5) Good Time
6) What It Feels Like to Drown
7) Ask the Dust
8) Devil Don't You Steal My Bicycle
9) Best Friend
10) J. L. Hudson