The Andy Poxon Band - Red Roots (2012)

Tracklist

01. Hottest Thing in Town
02. No Love
03. Quitters Never Lone
04. I Want You so Bad
05. I Need My Girl
06. I'll Sing the Blues
07. Stop
08. When
09. Raining In
10. Run of Bad Luck
11. I Hate Being Alone
12. Is There Anything I Can Do
13. C'mon Pretty Baby


If you have never heard of The Andy Poxon Band before, do not worry. The band has been playing together since only 2009 and Red Roots is their first release. Fronted by Andy Poxon (guitar, vocals), the band is rounded out by Russ Wasson (bass), and Michael O’Donnell (drums). Once this band is experienced, it is hard to forget. Red Roots is just the beginning for this band, especially the young Andy Poxon who was just 16 years-old when it was recorded.

“The Hottest Thing In Town” is the right introduction not just for the album, but for Andy Poxon as an artist. This up-tempo song shows off his talent as a singer and a musician. It is a charming and playful song about being proud of one’s significant other, though not every song is so positive. On a more negative angle, “No Love” is about relationships that are just not worth it: “No love is better than bad love,” indeed. Continuing in the same vein as the previous one, “Quitters Never Lose” is a down to earth song about young love. It carries the timely message of stop wasting your time on someone who is no good and does not deserve you.

“I’ll Sing The Blues” is a song that is hard not to like. There is more energy and power in this song than the previous ones and it stands out among them. “When” has a slow and somber atmosphere. The backing vocals during the chorus add that little something extra to make the song that much more memorable. I sense a slight country influence in this song as well. “Raining In” is justly named by having the feel of looking out a window on a raining day as grey and black clouds dominate the sky.

The thing that I like most about “Is There Anything I Can Do” is the perspective the song is coming from. It is a take on the traditional broken heart song with the speaker addressing the broken hearted and attempting to lift them back up. Red Roots ends with my favorite and arguably the most dynamic song on the album, “C’mon Pretty Baby.” It is a strong way to go out with its edgy sound that is sure to stick in the minds of listeners.

Red Roots marks The Andy Poxon Band as one to watch. It is enjoyable from start to finish and shows the potential that this teenager artist has in him. Andy Poxon is primed for big time success and he should look forward to a wonderful career. Red Roots is just the beginning. ~Review by Brian McKinnon

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