I love it when a local band comes out of the woordwork and blows me away with an incredible sound.
The Jim Ivins Band is an acoustic-driven pop rock band that draws comparisons to Goo Goo Dolls and the Gin Blossoms. Ivins and company recently released a new self-titled EP which is full of pop rock goodness that takes me back to days in the early 90s when songs like these ruled the airwaves (sidenote: you will always remember that certain moment in your life whenever a Gin Blossoms song played).
The first track, “Fall Flat,” is easily the strongest on the EP. It’s full of catchy guitar riffs and a melody that I’m singing to myself days later. For a band so young in the music scene, the Jim Ivins Band could show some popular musicians a thing or two about how to put together a song.
Listen to “Fall Flat”
The next two tracks, “Back To Reality” and “The Chance,” were produced by Ace Enders of The Early November. Getting a big name like that to help with your album says something about the quality of music you’re putting together.
As the EP goes along, there are a few bumps in the way. “Every Day’s Another Goodbye” brings the energy down for a slower heartfelt ballad. It’s a great track but it’s a sudden shift and almost takes away from the excitement of pop rock rollercoaster ride. However, things do pick up again with the next track with the upbeat “How To Hold On.”
The Jim Ivins Band is going places. They’re still young and have a long road ahead of them. But if they keep up what they’re doing, they’ll have no problem getting there.
The Jim Ivins Band EP is available on iTunes. Go listen and enjoy.
RVA Playlist 