Music review: JD Eicher and the Goodnights 鈥� 鈥業nto Place鈥�
Following up on the momentum from JD Eicher and the Goodnights鈥� sophomore effort 鈥淪hifting,鈥� everything seems to be falling perfectly into place with the latest release of the intimately irresistible 鈥淚nto Place.鈥�
鈥淚 am what you call a work in progress,鈥� proclaims lead singer JD Eicher on the opener 鈥淥de to the Underdog.鈥�
The new album elevates the local lads from underdogs to true rock stars with this final offering from the band鈥檚 musical trilogy, documenting a spirited journey of maturity and self fulfillment.
With Eicher on vocals and guitars, Ben Portz on keyboards, Jim Merhaut on bass and Dylan Kollat on drums, the talented quartet delivers another set of soulful, intelligent and intoxicating arrangements poignantly punctuated with Eicher鈥檚 introspective lyrics.
The band masterfully delivers uplifting songs of hope, love and living every moment to the fullest.
Mixing the infectious pop charm of Andy Grammer with a soulful vibe of Jason Mraz, 鈥淚nto Place鈥� is melodious, engaging and emotionally absorbing.
The funky 鈥淕ive It Up鈥� explodes into a contagiously profound number dealing up a fashionable message of unwavering determination and drive. The album peaks with the sultry 鈥淟ately Lady鈥� fueled by the seductively arousing backing vocals of Joy Ike and equally stirring saxophone playing of Jerry DePizzo from O.A.R.
The light and breezy desirability of 鈥淚鈥檇 Like to Get to Know You鈥� make it a perfect fit for mainstream radio appeal and larger market exposure.
The title track closes the musical pilgrimage with a spiritual reflectiveness and beauty that embodies Eicher at the core as he sings, 鈥淲e鈥檙e the shape of things shifting into place.鈥�
Fans can celebrate with the band at a CD release party for 鈥淚nto Place鈥� 9 p.m. on Saturday at Pittsburgh鈥檚 Hard Rock Caf茅 at Station Square. Check out www.jdeicherandthegoodnights.com for more details and tickets.