20WT CD Review - "The Songs Of The Mighty Bullfrog"(2010) - by Ashlee Hussey(http://www.ashleehusseyphoto.com)
How many bands are around these days that are different and original? One of the few is the band 20WT (pronounced Twenty Weight). The three piece is made up of vocalist/guitarist Ryan Wilson, bassist Jason 'J Hooks' Crawford, and drummer David Kelly. With Wilson's ability to pull from the experiences around him to write these catchy yet powerful songs, J Hooks's groove influenced bass lines, and Kelly's fast tempoed drumming ties their music together, really bring the concept home. 20WT successfully pulls off mixing reggae, metal, and ska together to create a refreshing new sound all their own on their new six song CD 'The Songs of the Mighty Bull Frog'.
'The Songs of the Mighty Bull Frog' is a perfect example of original music at its finest. A rarity to come across in todays music scene of repetitive, similar sounding bands. With songs like ' Your Tone' with strong, honest lyrics stating, "People freak me out who I don't know. I've been staring out into shadows. Tell me what I like or how to act or shit like that." Fans who have heard 20WT perform such songs as 'If That's the Case' and 'Live in the Moment' cannot get the tunes out of their heads. The reactions from the fans so far has been overwhelming. They cannot wait to get their hands on a copy of the full CD. 20WT has grown as a band since their previous album ('In a Tree There is a Bird That Sings'). For example, the song 'Jug O Rum' is an unexpected song that is out of their normal style, though they do an amazing job. 'Bull Frog' is 20WT's best album to date.
Aside from the music, one of the best parts about the album is the fact that 20WT recorded, produced, and mixed the whole album. Wilson runs Florida Green Studios from his home, where 'Bull Frog' was recorded. 20WT is a 100% DIY (Do It Yourself) band. They do everything from booking shows, t-shirt & sticker printing, radio & press promotions, art, photography, web design, and van repair. Bands usually have different people or companies to do all of these tasks for them and for 20WT to keep it within the band is a quality that is scarce in the music scene right now.
Another amazing feat by the band is their album will be available for free online at 20WT.com by digital download. When asked why the band wanted to give away the album for free instead of sell it, Wilson explained, "We are basically using the first half of the record as advertisement for the vinyl." As requested by the fans, the band also put together handmade physical copies of 'Bull Frog' that could be purchased for $5. The covers are made from 100% post consumer recycled materials. In addition to those two options of the album, there will be a vinyl version that will be available in September. It will have a b-side, entitled 'The March of the Frog Army', with an additional five exclusive unreleased songs. One of those to be a cover of Jimmy Cliff's 'The Harder They Come', which the band performs live on a regular basis. They plan to work it up with some horns and keyboards.
'The Songs of the Mighty Bull Frog' is an exceptional album. No matter if you choose to download or buy the album, it is worth the time and/or money. The album will be available on Sunday, May 30 at x102.9's River Rock concert at The Jacksonville Landing with special guests Richy Nix, Paper Tongues, Crash Kings, and Flobots. And did I mention it was a free show? Free tunes and a free concert, man this band kicks ass!
