If Mike Roe can have the Lost Dogs, his 77s band mates can have Strawmen. Comprised of former Sevens guitarist David Leonhardt, current bassist Mark Harmon, and Harmon's brother Bill on vocals, the Strawmen have released a fun, summery pop record in Saving Faded Dreams. For the most part, these are great pop tunes. The leadoff "Runaway" is a bright, jangly number. "Can't Satisfy" and "The Reason Why" would fit well on the 77s Pray Naked album. The final song, "Amputate," is a somber song about an emotional lobotomy.
If there is a drawback to Saving Faded Dreams, it's that the disc sounds a lot like a 77s pop record, and will undoubtedly be compared to the more established band. The disc is produced by Roe, and he even shows up on the disc for backing vocals. Harmon's voice and range are similar to Roe's, as well. Perhaps this solid effort will be a springboard to an equally impressive follow-up album with a distinct sound.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Darryl A. ArmstrongThere was once a band that became a legend in Christian music. The name of that band is the 77s. This album is not by that band. Although all of the current members of the Sevens are present here, the core of the Strawmen are brothers Bill Harmon (lead vocals, acoustic guitars) and Mark Harmon (bass, electric/acoustic guitars, keyboards, background vocals) with David Leonhardt (electric/acoustic…Similar sounding releases
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