Andrew Leahey & the Homestead, Airwaves Review
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Andrew Leahey is a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter that has a special appreciation for the gift of music, both as performer and as a listener. Leahey is a survivor of a brain cancer and an operation that nearly cost him his life and hearing. That added appreciation has ignited a passion in Leahey’s music that can be heard in the Nashville rocker’s songwriting and passionate performance. With heroes such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, R.E.M. and others, Leahey has an ear for catchy melodies combined with honest relatable lyrics. Andrew Leahey & the Homestead are set to release their sophomore LP, Airwaves, an eleven-track album that is a sonic love letter channeling the 1980s. Leahey explains, “They’re kind of leaning on that Reagan-era rock n’ roll sound.” The record was cut almost entirely live in just 10 days at Ebersold’s Nashville studio, The Bakery, in 2018. For Airwaves, (out March 1, 2019). Leahey recruited multi-platinum producer Paul Ebersold, who enlisted his go-to rhythm section – Steelism’s John Estes and Jon Radford—on bass and drums, respectively. Leahey also brought in his childhood best friend Phil Heesen III to add harmony vocals and guitar, as well as his buddy, Sadler Vaden, who took a break from touring with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit long enough to drop by the studio and lay down some guitar leads on “Start the Dance,” “We Came Here to Run” and “Workin Ain’t Workin.”
Positives:
Leahey’s songwriting is outstanding, with a solid American rock & roll sound that has just a touch of Americana at times, which makes Airwaves a universal sound that will appeal to a wide audience.
Bottom Line:
Andrew Leahey & the Homestead are working hard to bring unpretentious songwriting back to American rock & roll with poignant lyrics carried by simple, uplifting melodies sung with heart and power, with infectious catchy hooks from warmly distorted guitars. The title track is the first single from Airwaves. With a driving beat, Leahey’s warm vocals and solid guitar leads, the tune is a celebration of the 1980’s FM-radio anthems. The eleven tracks are rooted in the sound of a band playing live and a lot of it was road-tested, which gives the music energy and spark. “Make It Last” features a steady guitar figure that Leahey’s solid vocals and lyrics builds upon. The track upfolds with each section building and the catchy melodies sinking deeper into your subconsomic. Leahey also shows his guitar chops, just like his singing, his solos are melodic and contain solid rhythm and tone. The track ebbs and flows, as each part develops and supports the rock & roll sound that masterfully connects yesterday, today and tomorrow. Leahey is rock solid. His personal triumphs can’t help but influence the sound, his passionate zest for life is evident throughout. That’s the short of it!