Simply put,
Satchel's debut album,
EDC, is '90s alterna-rock at its finest and most original. Leaving the then-popular grunge sound at the door,
Satchel embarks on a new musical style, combining gentle ballads and near-metal rockers with drum loops, guitar heroics, and ultra-talented
Shawn Smith's high-pitched vocals and piano. Shards of
Prince's funk,
Queen's grandeur, and
Led Zeppelin's almighty heavy groove come bubbling to the surface, but the band incorporates these already established elements into their own sound. The album is loosely based on the then-little-known movie Reservoir Dogs, with song titles named after characters in the movie, even including dialogue clips between tracks. The album's track sequencing is also masterfully done; after listening to
EDC, you really do feel like you've accomplished a far-reaching musical journey. Since the album is so consistent, it's hard to pick highlights, but some could very well be the guitar showcase "Equilibrium" and the thunder-rock of "More Ways Than 3" and "Mr. Pink." Also included is the slippery funk of "Built 4 It" and the two album-closing ballads -- "The Roof Almighty" and "Suffering" -- which demonstrate the strength of
Shawn Smith's heartfelt vocals and gentle piano playing. ~ Greg Prato