Sessionroad

The eponymous debut album by sessiOnroad is rooted in a folk-rock ambience and is given a distinctive flavoring by the interesting guitar figures that adorn each song. The vocals are mainly handled by a female singer, Hannah Romawac, who acquits herself well. The band revolves around vocalist Hannah Romawac and guitarist/drummer Chavi Romawac. The album was produced by esteemed producer/musician Bob Aves, who plays guitar on various cuts. He also plays a Philippine ethnic instrument called the octavina on some songs, which emotes a mandolin-like sound. The group is influenced by such folk-rock bands as 10,000 Maniacs as well as seminal folk musician Joni Mitchell. Philippine folk-rock band Barbie's Cradle has a similar sound, and one can hear traces of Philippine singer Cynthia Alexander. Most songs are slow in nature. Unfortunately, there is a hit-and-miss feel to the album, and not all songs come to full fruition. The distinctive guitar figures that introduce and adorn each song promise a special listening experience, but many melodies are lackluster, and some sound similar to each other. While some songs are fine, overall the album could be better. That said, one of the album's best songs is the bluesy, gritty "Alone," which has international quality, and other fine songs include "Orion," "Wink," and the spirited "Sa'Yo" (For You). The album needs more fine songs.