By Kevin Koeninger
In more ways than one, Sherwood has spent the majority of their life as a band in the sunny climate of California and the West Coast.
Formed in San Luis Obispo, the alternative rockers have never strayed far from their home, especially staying in the confines of their catchy, upbeat songs.
Extensive touring within the Golden State has further solidified their place as one of today’s up-and-coming California rock bands.
Their second release, “A Different Light,” is certainly the most ambitious musically, although little changes in terms of lyrical style. Preaching about the beach, summer and the tug-of-war game called love, singer/songwriter Nate Henry has crafted a well-rounded, focused album that performs well on every level.
With a fluctuating sound that encompasses everything from rock to dance to electronica, Sherwood will keep listeners guessing as the record progresses, but no one change is enough to throw the record’s frenetic pace off-kilter.
The production values of the album are stellar, with multiple layers of instrumentation blending flawlessly underneath Henry’s smooth vocals.
Their sound has been steadily evolving over the past few years, but it feels as though they have settled into their niche, combining synth and keyboard elements with the more traditional rock ensemble.
At certain points, it feels as though the album is about to drop into the doldrums rhythmically but is quickly resuscitated by songs like “Give Up!” and “Alive.” Borrowing a bass line straight out of 50s rockabilly and increasing the tempo, “Alive” is a perfect example of Sherwood’s ability to seamlessly combine classic musicianship with modern songwriting. It’s not until the final track of the album, however, that everything meshes and listeners get a clearer picture of just what the band is up to.
“I’m Asking Her to Stay’s” opening line, “I’ve been spending too much time in California / Where your feelings change but seasons never do” is a deeply introspective look back at where the band has been, setting the tone for an increasingly emotional finale.
Remarkably, the song starts out in a minor key, something rarely found in any Sherwood song; in this case, however, it fits perfectly with the more pensive mood.
The chorus quickly returns the song to more familiar musical terrain, and even though the string accompaniment that joins the band near the conclusion is a tad cliche, the song seems to solidify the sound and definitely leaves the listener craving more.
Knee deep in the growing trend of bands with positive outlooks on life and love, Sherwood’s newest album is the perfect companion for the warmer weather and rapidly approaching summer season.
-Kevin Koeninger
