(Self Release) Eric Athey has been writing and performing his Americana-roots rock in local bars and clubs for the past 20 years. The born and bred Pennsylvanian cites influences that range from Kris Kristofferson and Tom Hardin to The Blasters and The Clash. Despite having 20 years under his belt, Open House marks his debut album, the first time he's recorded any of his songs. Recorded in a former Baptist church in Newfield, NY, Eric is joined by two of the Boquist brothers, Dave (Wilco) who contributes guitar, lap steel, fiddle and mandolin and Mark (Screaming Trees, Mike Lanegan, Big Back Forty, 34 Satellite) on drums, along with Brook Duer on bass, Jan Nigro on piano and organ, Ken Zeserson guitar, sax and backing vocals, with Kimberly Sherwood-Caso contributing backing vocals on "In Another World." All the album's songs are written by Eric, and along with vocals, he also handles guitar, harmonica and mandolin duties. 

Open House revolves around a relationship that starts, veers off track and rebounds as it delves into the complexities and raw emotions that surround it. The songs are as varied as the emotions they convey, ranging from guitar driven heartland roots-rockers to melodic mid-tempo alt-country rockers to stark, sparsely arranged steel and acoustic guitar ballads. Eric lays bare the emotionally charged feelings of anger and resentment ("You'll Be Back Around," "Did I Break Your Heart Tonight," "An Imitation") that eventually give way to the ache of regret ("In Another World," "Some Habits Die Slow"). The dark and brooding "Devil In The Darkness" addresses trying to hold things together through uncertainty. "Vacant" is an abstract instrumental that seems to represent the loss of control, while the snarling "Poison" is a cry of desperation and frustration. Eric provides a reflective, solitary look at trying to regain control in "My Life" and realizes even the strongest relationships aren't immune from hard times in "The Strongest Walls." Hope for a new start is reflected in "Don't Have To Be Around," while "Home Tonight" tells of the determination to make things work in a relationship he ultimately finds worthwhile. The bonus track at the end is a waltzing look back at facing down all those emotions and ultimately surviving them.

Eric Athey takes the listener on a wild rollercoaster ride of unflinching emotion that he delivers with raw urgency as he weaves his tale through smartly written songs that are at times hard hitting, biting, and often bittersweet. Open House is a gripping album of first rate roots-rock from the very talented Eric Athey.      

Standout Tracks: "Did I Break Your Heart Tonight," "An Imitation," "In Another World," "Devil In This House," "Habits Die Slow," "It's My Life," "Don't Have To Be Alone"

On The Net:  www.ericathey.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack May 2004