12 Pearls - Stillwater Rocks Deep
CD Review: Down to the Last Drop from 12 Pearls.
I don't think I would listen to 12 Pearls while driving my car. I certainly would get a ticket or three.
No doubt about it, the tickets would be there. I wouldn't worry about accidents though: full adrenaline rush & hyper-awareness in action. I'd be threadin' the needle and takin' lanes like they were mine… and they would be.
The Gift - Jordan Doolen, 12 Pearls' front man, brings rich, clear vocals and an uncanny sense of timing to the songs of Down to the Last Drop. Listen to The Gift and see if you agree that Doolen's clear tenor voice is reminiscent of a young David Bowie straight out of his Ziggy Stardust years.
The Gift is a strong opening track: play it loud. If you live in a dorm or have neighbors who appreciate good strong rock, expect to draw a crowd. Don't expect anyone to leave either. Dim the second song off of the Down to the Last Drop album is a hard rocking track with a great hook, righteously hot guitar riffs, a driving bass line and relentless drums. A classic!
12 Pearls Radio Request Line
I became even more impressed with the 12 Pearls sound about fifteen seconds into What is True. The band has been compared to The Black Crowes because of their blues-rock style but What is True has the same up tempo pop rock feel of Rivers Coumo and Weezer on a very bright day.
I would not stop promoting this song until it got the recognition it deserves. 12 Pearl fans need to get on the phone and start a request campaign. What is True just could be the breakout song for the group.
Right and Wrong is another nice, solid rock ballad. Okay, I'm in my car again: this time I'm driving on country roads with my windows rolled down, the volume up and yes… I'm speeding again, in a real "feel good" way. Nice groove.
Power of One is a Christian rock ballad filled with powerful emotions and lyricism. The change in tempo works, demonstrating 12 Pearls versatility and scope. This also brings up the old problem of being too broad in style. Personally I believe that the variety offered on Down to the Last Drop is a good thing both valid and welcomed. Though varied, each song offered on this album stays true the sound that 12 Pearls has made their own.
Don't Wanna Leave is a solid rock number that plays well into the other track selections, while She, is "the sound of today" alternative piece featuring very strong guitar and and a high level of musicality. It is the kind of song that demands strong contribution from each member of the band. Jordan Doolen, Brandon Jackson, Kit Nowlin and Andy Beck all come together and rock with determination.
Fantasy gives some breathing room with its soulful style that lasts until the first few strains of Jade. Rock-on 12 Pearls style with Jade and keep the momentum and funk groove going with Like the Ocean.
12 Pearls Down to the Last Drop finishes with Truth. The Truth might set you free but it won't let you down easy. The song is on the money garage-punk rock, very up-tempo and gritty. Play it loud and bang a drum. A very strong finish to a well-rounded first album from Stillwater Oklahoma's very talented indie-rock band: 12 Pearls.
