MUSIC REVIEW: THE LICKERISH QUARTET – Threesome Vol. 1 [EP]

Label: Lickerish Quartet/Label Logic

Release Date: May 15, 2020

Rating: 98%

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

I was first introduced to Eric Dover when I heard the debut from Slash’s Snakepit and then to Roger Jospeh Manning, Jr. when a friend told me to check out Imperial Drag back in the day.  Many years later these musicians along with their Jellyfish co-conspirator Tim Smith have released an EP full of great rock tracks that have demonstrated the sonic magic they had still exists today.  Disc opener “Fadoodle” is a cool rock track that swirls in a fun pop sensibility without losing sight of the rock quotient of the song and disc.  The piano driver rocker has some cool guitar work blended in and teh musical accompaniment perfect supports the vocals.  The tempo of this one is fun and keeps you engaged from the opening note to the last chord.  For fun, be sure to check out the meaning of the tracks title and it will solidify the tongue in cheek attitude of the trio.  “Bluebird’s Blues” shifts gear musically, but doesn’t detract from the cool vibe created by the opening track.  The sing-song feeling of this tune is contagious and draws you into the song.  The guitars are cool, the ethereal feel of the track created in the production gives this song depth and the collection added texture.  “There Is a Magic Number” follows the vibe established by “Bluebird’s Blues” but without sounding rehashed or overdone.  Dover’s guitar and vocal duet help carry the tune while Manning Jr.’s keyboard and Smith’s bottom end support the track.  Much like the previous track, there is an airy sound to the track that helps it to soar without sailing out of the discs musical confines.  Disc closer “Lighthouse Spaceship” was the first track released from the collection and encapsulates the groove created by the four tracks blending the accelerated tempo and feel of the opener with the milder swirl of sound from the middle tracks.  The guitar riffs are full and pair nicely with the keyboards in the mix.  The chugging feel in the chorus keeps the track flowing while the song works through its 6:00+ length.  The layered vocals on this one (as well as the other tracks) add punch to the songs feel.  In a time when everything has been thrown into the air and most facets of daily life are unsure, this music is what the doctor ordered… feel good rock that let’s you forget everything for a little while and soak in the musical fun that is The Lickerish Quartet.  I cannot wait to see what else the last three years recording sessions have yielded and more music is released from the Quartet’s trio!

Tracklisting: Fadoodle – Bluebird’s Blues – There Is a Magic Number – Lighthouse Spaceship

Lineup: Roger Joseph Manning Jr. – Tim Smith – Eric Dover

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Category: CD Reviews