TJ COURTNEY
Into the Sky EP
[Unsigned]
Verdict: 7/10
RIYL: Oasis, Seether, David Cook

I’m getting old; I know it’s inevitable, but listening to the latest EP from TJ COURTNEY hammered that insight home. His brand of acoustic-driven grunge owes a lot to the heyday of the 90s alt-rock. Driving guitars carry introspective lyrics much like the best of OASIS and SEETHER. Very rarely does TJ crack the levels to eleven, but the restrained style suits his voice. When his soaring vocals carry choruses, they are all that more powerful and show he has the capability to be an endearing front man. The original songs on the record are well done, standard-fare radio rock. The lead single, “One Day” encapsulates this, with its infectious hook.

Cover songs can be a tricky proposition with a high risk and limited reward. Often groups will butcher a classic, or in the very least refuse to make it their own. The fear is that the song will sound rather karaoke (to quote an infamous reality judge). Luckily, TJ’s cover of the classic tune “Ordinary World” is mostly a success. His acoustic take on the song allows his voice to take control, which is all for the better. Interestingly enough, his voice and style are quite akin to American Idol-winner DAVID COOK. His voice is more suited for the halcyon days of nasally grunge and alt-rock, and the music generally follows suit. With all this talk of “old-school” styles, it is important to point out that this EP does not sound dated or simply a re-hashing of what was great about 90s alternative. Instead, this serves as a tribute to days gone by, and the fact that good music never goes out of style. – by Nicholas Senior

>> Recommended Listening: “One Day”
>> Release Date: March 27th, 2012
>> In Conclusion: If you’re feeling nostalgic about 90s radio rock, give TJ COURTNEY a listen.