reviewed by IndieBear

Andy Northrup’s “Slow Burn Avenue” has seen its day here at INSIDE Bear. Have played it over and over, and still couldn’t come to terms with “I have a review to do.”

Yes I have been delaying this review up until the last minute...and with good reason. Keep in mind, this is just MY opinion.

I popped in the CD and listened on—the first track “One Another” was delightful, an upbeat catchy tune that was somewhat inspirational—had me feeling “it’s going to be a good day.” Well, that good day turned into a drawn-out loathing when I listened on to the next tracks. The second track, “Slow Burn Avenue” was a good example—it had me thinking. I wasn’t thinking anything special, just thinking—you know, in those moods you get when you listen to depressing music. I personally like some depressing music, music that helps me get out of my moods, though this CD put me in such a mood, I had to get up and leave the room—twice!

Let’s go onto the other tracks. Track number four, “Being the Joke,” had me loving the backup vocals (though no credit was given). Track number six, “Conspiracy,” had me wondering if some underlying gay themes were present with lyrics such as, “Apparently he’s unaware who helps me make my bed,” referring to a Nazi youth who is against gay people. I’m wondering who exactly is making the bed? The rest of the tracks are fine if you are into gloomy music.

The lyrics in most of the songs are quite contradictory for someone who is “out” to the world—and they don’t go with the backing music. Track number ten, “The Long Drive Home” states, “From a woman I cannot seem to leave behind...And I’m trying to stay clean, I’m trying to stay free,” offends me in such a way—is Andy saying being gay is wrong? Or is he simply overcoming some addiction? To listen on, it seems more towards a gay theme (throughout the album) though it is unfair for me to think every song is about being gay, which leads me to think, …?

Overall I think the music is great, just the music. Andy sounds too sullen, almost vacant in his vocal ability with the music—as if he is trying to get over something or someone—or just plain doesn’t want to be there. The vocals and lyrics didn’t mesh well with the music, in my opinion. Once you hear the music while reading the lyrics, it tends to make one think, “I don’t get it.” I totally loved the backup vocals on “Being the Joke.” Wish I could give credit to that person. The music cries for those type of vocals, with such power that would emphasize the lyrics a bit better. I feel awful in writing this review because much credit is deserved for Andy and his band and the success of their music together. It takes a lot to get this far in the music industry and wish him much success. Good luck guys!