Not to be confused with the heavy metal band that shares the name, this Wayne is an alternative pop/rock group riding the wave of the current onslaught of the British Pop rejuvenation that has become a dominant force in music, again. While the band is based in Birmingham Alabama, Wayne has drawn resemblance to bands such as Coldplay and Travis with their notable debut, Music On Plastic; however, despite the fact that there are some similarities to an Oasis-esque/ Brit-Pop invasion sound, Wayne also acquires inspiration within American artists ranging from REM, Soul Asylum and Bob Dylan.
Even though Music On Plastic has a Southern twang in some intenseness, it is closer to the Jayhawks than the overt sounds of other Southern-fried rockers such as Lynyrd Skynyrd or Molly Hatchet. Wayne creates a tapestry of melodic harmonies amongst crisp acoustic guitars, idyllic electric work and upbeat/strummy rhythms. Consummate songwriting is done by singer/guitarist Rodney Reeves and is the foundation of the Wayne “sound”. ‘Slow Down’ sets the recording in motion by way of heavy percussion and bawdy guitars united with the sincere and melodious vocals of Reaves. The first single ‘Whisper’ is lyrically metaphorically pensive, charmingly poppy with an intense electric guitar perimeter. With an unmistakable country influence, ‘Take Me Home’ is jovial acoustic piece that resembles 1970’s Neil Young. The disc is wrapped up with a hidden track of Wayne’s rendition of the Bernie Taupin and Sir Elton John 1973 classic ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ which sounds as fresh as if written by the band themselves.
Beautifully produced by relative newcomer Jason Elgin, who has also worked with punk/metal band Haste, Music On Plastic is a comprehensive, fresh and gratifying recording and a noteworthy introduction to this quartet from Alabama.
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