String Cheese Incident’s new album Untying the Not leaves much to be desired and sheds light on why hardcore SCI fans love them for their live performances.
Yes, new SCI listeners should make no assumptions about these mountain men until they have experience a live show, affectionately called “incidents” by fans.
SCI got lost trying to explore new directions for their music. On Untying the Not, they stepped outside their realm and into other renowned musicians’. Don’t be surprised if during SCI’s “Elijah” you start singing the lyrics to Ben Harper’s ” I Shall Not Walk Alone.” Also, SCI’s “Who am I” and the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields” sound eerily alike.
Celtic adventure “Valley of the Jig” opens a whole new dimension for SCI with its quick-paced percussion. However, it too sounds strangely familiar to the upcoming jam band craze, Sound Tribe Sector 9.
The first few tracks are relatively powerful with their
trademark SCI vibes and wholesome lyrics.
SCI gets a little too cheesy with the love song, “Siren.” Help, I’m drowning in Velveeta.
The end even sounds like a Bud Light radio advertisement. We salute you Mr. Bill Nershi!
Clear, in-tune vocals are usually pluses on studio albums, but some of the album’s close harmonies sound untouched.
High five to drummer Michael Travis for exploring his talent for songwriting. His song, “Time Alive,” is a high-energy highlight.
All members combine strengths to suck you in to “Mountain Girl,” a psychedelic black hole.
All in all, SCI’s last album, “Outside Inside,” is much more solid than their new release. Save your money to buy concert tickets for The String Cheese’s live show in Atlanta Sept. 26 and 27.
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