This self-titled record from Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers is the latest in a slew of records that they have released over the past several years, but is the first on a major label. Over the past couple of years, they have played over 300 shows, undoubtedly logged in many a mile on the road, and have moved over 10,000 copies of their independently released albums. Anybody in an indie band can attest to how huge of a feat that really is.
I guess it's pure, raw experience that makes the Sixers sound so good. It probably helps that Stephen Kellogg writes from the heart, inking his very thoughts onto paper. And with help from producer Andy Zulla (Rod Stewart, Jessica Simpson), Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers seem to be unstoppable.
This self-titled release continues Stephen's love of songwriting, who has always put songwriting first over being a musician, though you can hardly tell by listening to him. Every track is an intimate piece of his heart, unafraid of wearing his heart on his sleeve, and equally unafraid to tell you what he thinks at any given moment. These songs have a way of making you reflect upon your own life, and make you frantically search your mind's back catalogue for a situation where Stephens' words are relevant to you.
This record plays like a rock album, yet has a definite hint of country twang to it. The Sixers feel just as at home playing intimate acoustical ballads as they do "plugging in" and jamming out. It's this diverse musical approach, coupled with strong lyrical paintings and a "what-you-see-is-what-you-get" presentation that makes the Sixers so memorable. I recommend getting acquainted with them.
