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"Signalfading.com: Third Shift Review"
Siganlfading.com (no longer online) — January 10, 2003
When you mention the band 40lb. Head to people who aren't familair with them, you often get the same response: "I've heard they're a really good cover band." While this statement is true, it is in the the band's originals that they shine.
Third Shift, the group's third release, is a solid effort that blends various musical genres into a sound and highly enjoyable album. From the Beatlesque "The Empire" to the folky "Shoulders of Fate", 40lb. Head proves that the band still has something wonderful to offer.
Like its predecessors (1998's Savior Self and 2000's Hills and Valleys), Third Shift was recorded in the band's own studio. This time around, they had the album mastered at Saturation Acres, where they "finished" it with the help of Paul Smith of Badlees fame. The result, while smoothly produced, doesn't lose the intended impact of the music.
Guitarist and songwriter Steven Egenski credits emotions and everyday occurances as the inspirations for 40lb. Head's music and lyrics. "It may be a mood, it may be an event, it may be a melody that just pops in there for no apparent reason," he says. "I don't search very far for the song...it just comes. Then I polish it." This approach to the writing process is what makes the songs on Third Shift fresh, unforced, and accessible to all who gander a listen.
Musically, the 40lb. Head recipe is simple: take equal parts rock and pop, throw in a dash of psychedelia, a pinch of blues, and mix with a heaping load of talent and tenacity to get a flaky, golden-brown and aurally delicious treat.
Vocalist and keyboardist Jason Egenski sounds as if he is perhaps more comfortable with his voice than in previous efforts. The hauntingly beautiful "Feel the Sun" and the sneering rock track "The Angry Song" shows a range and strength that is lacking in a number of big-name acts today.
Guitarist Steve draws from an interesting repertoire of styles in this album. Whether it be the R.E.M.-tinged jangle of "My Dream" or the folk acoustics of "Shoulders of Fate", Steve's influences mesh well with his own unique flair for melody.
The solid rhythm section of Brian Egenski on bass and Mike Zubritski on drums carries the music along at a comfortable pace. Of note is the driving "How Do You Do". The infectious bass line will make you want to get up and groove while the cymbal work alone will cause you to wonder if Mike sprouted an extra set of arms.
If you are new to the band, a long-time fan (lovingly called a Headhead), or someone who simply appreciates good music, Third Shift is definately worth your time. Each time you listen to it, you will discover something that you hadn't heard before. (Hey, is that a marimba in "I Lie to Me, You Lie to You"?). Any album that can keep a person interested after repeat listenings is one worth owning. Third Shift demonstrates that musicianship, pop sensibility, and sticking to your guns makes for great tunes.