The New Song

Townhall

Redeye Distribution

Jam bands have been ragged on…

Townhall

Redeye Distribution

Jam bands have been ragged on and complained about by almost every person who writes about music. Either the band has no musical talent, or they would only be enjoyable if you were listening while extremely high. Jam bands have really received a lot of flak from a lot of people.

When someone says “jam band,” the first one that comes to most people’s minds is Phish. Any other jam band is just a carbon copy and can’t do any better, and if they try to transcend Phish’s innovation, they are doomed to fail. But Townhall, from Bryn Mawr, Pa., is a jam band that can compete. With the release of their first studio album, The New Song, their first album since the release of their debut double live album, released in 2001, they do just that.

The difference between Townhall and other jam bands is that each member plays several instruments. The mood and sound of the new album is also different than that of a typical jam-band style, in which the drums and guitars are set into a mixed groove, to tracks that are mellow ballad types. The album is eclectic and filled with original lyrics and impressive instrumentals.

Townhall is playing Pittsburgh for the second time in five months. For an entertaining and jam-packed evening, check out Townhall.

Townhall will play Club Laga on Thursday at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 for the all ages show. For more information, call (412) 682-2050.