Initially when I heard folk rock Americana used to describe a New Jersey band, my eyes rolled into the back of my head, a la Geena Davis turning into a monster Beetlejuice style. I know, I'm rude but can you really blame me? New Jersey isn't exactly the mecca of folk Americana, let alone GOOD folk Americana. However please bear witness as I admit I was wrong and a total jerk for letting preconceived notions nearly ruin my listening experience to EdTang & The Chops. This 5-piece band is so good. A current New Yorker, I am originally a native Austinite and that gritty combination of concrete and country has this band really speaking to me.
Ed Tang & The Chops full length album "Goodbye, Zen5, Sushi Dinner" sounds like a mix of Deer Tick and My Morning Jacket with some solid honky tonk flavoring. But please don't misconstrue my term "honky tonk" with Hank Williams Jr. I'm referring to the modern gritty hip honky tonk you find in ole hole in the wall bars, where people where boots, beards and tattoos. Also known as my personal heaven. Ed Tang & The Chops music does a great job of transporting the listener to this said heaven but I'm not the only person noticing. Ed Tang & The Chops have been recognized as "Featured Artist" on Sirius XM channel plus active guests Rich Russo's syndicated free form show "Anything Anything".
The band's live shows are notorious for their high energy and this Manhattan gal WILL be making a trip to Jersey to check this band out. And in case you don't live in a public transportation reliant city, that is a HUGE statement and committment. But after streaming their album, how could I refuse? The band offers gritty folk rock with a honest sound and wild party atompshere. I can get behind that. If you want to learn about their upcoming shows or news, be sure to check them out on facebook, twitter and their website.
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Vaya by Ed Tang
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