CD REVIEW: CSB - Circles
By Chip Withrow - 12/10/05 - 10:20 AM EST
Take all the good qualities of Bon Jovi, Hall and Oates,
and Big Head Todd and the Monsters (remember them?). Mix them together,
and that’s sort of what CSB’s catchy CD Circles is like.
CSB, fronted by singer/songwriter/guitarist Charlie Scopoletti,
has put together a dramatic, soulful disc. Scopoletti is a song craftsman.
The lyrics – many aimed at lovers on the way out the door – are direct.
The music often sounds like a rock band's take on ‘70s soul – fuzz-toned and
ringing guitar tracks layered over an insistent bass-and-drums groove.
Scopoletti is a tasteful player; he mostly uses his guitar as a rhythm instrument.
“Stay With Me” is a fine example of his talents – no soloing,
just rich acoustic and electric textures.
He’s also a powerful vocalist who displays two traits of a true rock singer:
big range mixed with throaty roughness. Among his best emotions-on-his-sleeve
singing efforts is the pretty “Tomorrow.”
“Blind” is another powerhouse. It rocks intensely, but like many of this disc’s songs,
it’s danceable. It’s also a great example of Scopoletti’s talent for creating tension
that builds into big choruses.
The title track is one of the album’s many memorable cuts.
It’s powered by the rock-solid beat of drummer John Giamara,
and it has a chorus that could be a singalong for a live crowd. “Circles”
is one of several tunes (“Tomorrow,” “Crazy Girl”) that are radio-ready
for a broader Adult Alternative audience.
CSB delivers soaring rock that fits current musical trends yet brings
to mind great pop rock (with the emphasis on rock) of decades past.
Circles is a solid collection of songs with not a bad one in the bunch.
It would be interesting to hear Scopoletti play these numbers at one
of his solo gigs listed on the band’s web site.
____________________________________________________________
Editorial Review By Jonny Days
CSB stands for Charlie Scopoletti Band with Charlie being the soul writer.
CSB's music has shades of Matchbox Twenty and The Goo Goo Dolls within it.
While listening I couldn't help to get pulled into and connect with
Charlie's emotional conversations that are put into every lyric.
As a reviewer I feel CSB is still developing, yet Charlie's stories of heartbreak
and betrayal have backbone. Just listen to track 3 "Blind".
This song has all the feeling and anguish witch capture a desperate moment.
Then on Track 4 "Fade Away" Charlie demonstrates a delicate and intimate side.
These injections of passion are what make "Circles" relatable.
For those who love acoustic driven pop/rock and for those who have ever been
in a relationship that has gone downhill, this CD is a must have.
___________________________________________________________________
C & T Fan Reviews
Lyric: New York, NY
They're awesome! "Blind" is smooth. It kind of feels like warm milk & honey...
but for the soul.
____________________________
Nicole: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Your music is awesome. I love it so much! I’ve been listening to your
songs and playing them over and over for 30 minutes straight now
and I can’t get enough of them.
____________________________
Candace: Bellmore, NY
You guys are good. Your band definitely is one of those chill bands
who everyone just unanimously agrees on.
____________________________
Diamond Eyezz: Brentwood, NY
Thought the music was really hott. Definitely gonna be the next hott thing.
____________________________
Virginia Upper: Darby, PA
I like your sound a lot. I've heard a lot of bands out there that are
just starting up and sometimes they don't sound like they're together,
but you guys definitely do.
____________________________
Shannon Riva, MA
I love your style of music! I definitely like a variety and your sound is refreshing!
