And, although there are no tights or feather-decorated hats to be found on the members of the band; the morale in “Robin Hood,” one good triumphing over evil fares well with the motto of Sherwood’s latest release, A Different Light.
Previously signed to SideCho Records for their last full-length, Sing But Keep Going and The Summer EP releases, the switch from SideCho to MySpace Records has unquestionably been a positive transformation for the band of creative twenty-somethings. Comprised of Joe Greenetz (drums), Nate Henry (vocals, bass guitar), Dan Koch (guitar, vocals), and Mike Leibovich (keys, percussion), Sherwood’s makeup is all about making a difference through the causes they support: Music Saves Lives, More Important Than Music, and Save Darfur.
Reflecting an optimistic outlook, A Different Light is uplifting and easy on the ears, not to mention fun to sing along to. Reminiscent of earlier Relient K, with a hint of Motion City Soundtrack, Sherwood’s sound and style—although catchy and as poppy as bazooka bubblegum—is comparable to that of Mae and Waking Ashland.
Of the 13 tracks on A Different Light, there are quite a few standout tracks. The title track, “Middle of the Night,” “Song In My Head,” “Give Up,” and “Never Ready to Leave” are all smashing hits on A Different Light. Additionally, “For the Longest Time” is a snappy ditty, with plenty of “bop-bop-bahs” to croon along to. “Never Ready to Leave” is drenched in Motion City Soundtrack harmonies and could almost be the baby sister to Motion City Soundtrack’s single “LG Faud.”
“Alive” begins with a softer Beach Boys vibe, and then progresses into another boppy and entertaining cut. Rightly so, there isn’t one track on A Different Light that leads the listener astray. There is no way to go wrong with Sherwood’s latest release.
Hood,” one good triumphing over evil fares well with the motto of Sherwood’s latest release, A Different Light.
