Despite the past drought in new music coming from the northwest, Old Pike struggles for the spotlight. The title of their debut album, Ten Thousand Nights, may very well have something to do with the many long nights they performed in the smokey bars and clubs of Bloomington, Indiana. It is no coincidence that Old Pike’s gutsy old style rock is very similar to that of John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen, who also come from the Midwest.
The singing and songwriting of Tim Jones and the vibrant piano/organ playing of Mike Flynn combine beautifully for a sharp sound. Jones belts out lyrics of heartbreak, love, loss, and regret. “I Should Have Never Left” starts the album out fairly strong with rumbling guitars and the pounding of the piano as Jones pleads with an abandoned love. The general tone of the album is much the same from track to track, making it seem to pass by without catching your ear at any particular moment. I’m not saying that this is a bad thing; in fact, all of the songs seem interrelated in some way, giving the album a solid sound that is well established. Many would rush to say that the emotional rustic rocking of Old Pike is out of date, but with the big beats and sampling of the ever-growing urban style music scene, it’s comforting to know that there are still bands out there doing it the conventional way.
You can’t deny the talent of the well-practiced members of this five-piece band. On their first album, I think Old Pike have made a statement. Maybe not a bold statement, but an honest one. Ten Thousand Nights won’t be the last you hear of Old Pike.
+ matt crafts
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