A glance at the tough guys fronting
Peppertown within the liner notes of
Firefly will probably convince the listener that they're the latest "hot" alternative country band or perhaps a new reincarnation of
Lynyrd Skynyrd. Listening to the catchy pop/rock of "She Runs from Me," then, is quite a surprise. There's plenty of electric guitar, which leans heavy on the rock side of pop, but the tune flows easy and free, topped off by a great chorus. The oddity here is the lyric, which never quite comes together. Worse, it seems to express an attitude toward women that could easily be mistaken for sexism. The mellower "Change My Ways" continues in similar mode, and while the song is equally likable, the lyric is once again confused and easily mistaken for sexist. "Cold Hand" rocks harder, and the arrangement makes room for nice harmonica work by Art Chaney. Scott Siefferman handles lead vocals and has written most of the songs on
Firefly, and he receives superb support from guitarist Ryan Baker, drummer Brian DeBruler, percussionist Michelle D'Amico, and bassist Keith Eckstein. The band plays well as a unit, and structurally speaking, Siefferman knows how to write a memorable tune. But lyrically speaking, there are more women in the rear-view mirror of
Firefly than an early
Eagles album, reminding the listener of the tough guys in the liner notes. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.