If it was up to me to promote this group the first thing I would do is change their name. “Research Turtles” – WTF does that mean? I could not find any information that gave an indication that the name “Research Turtles” had some deep meaning, housed a profound epiphany or was chosen after thoughtful analysis. The band certainly doesn’t sound anything like the Turtles – although the members do seem “Happy Together”. Sure, there have been successful rock bands with terrible nonsensical names - like Chumbawamba, Hoobastank, !!! and The The. However, when you go into that interview do you really want to spend most of your time trying to explain the origin of your name or do you want to discuss your music?
That having been said, Research Turtles brings forth some of the freshest Power Pop Rock of the decade. All eleven tracks on their self-titled album are radio ready. This group of band mates hail from the same Lake Charles, Louisiana high school and ultimately landed a gig opening for Toad The Wet Sprocket (another nonsensical band name, although, the name is based on a comment in an Eric Idle monologue on a Monty Python album. At least Toad had some history behind it.) Jud Norman is the bassist (and vocalist with his brother Joe) and the band’s songwriter. This album proves he has incredible songwriting chops.
The music is absolutely infectious. Power chords, subdued distortion, intertwined harmonies and solid musical hooks. I could feel the ‘60’s psychedelic vibe creep in and out (although that could have been flashbacks, but I digress.) If you didn’t know that the Research Turtles were a Louisiana band from the 21st Century you would think, at times, you were listening to vintage electric Byrds, Hollies, or early Police. The band can also get very heavy. I had to check to see whether “The Riff Song” was or was not a Marc Bolan tune (it is not; it is an original.). “Into A Hole” is what the Beatles from 1965 might have sounded like if they were playing together today. From the first track, “Let’s Get Carried Away,” through the last track, “Break My Fall,” the band delivers tight pop rock melodies and guitar laden riffs.
Influences? Well, the Research Turtles suggest in their on-line bio:
Brothers and founders Jud and Joe Norman inherited their love of music from their father and uncle, the former introducing them to the Beatles and buying them their first guitars, and the latter, from Los Angeles, mailing them shoe boxes full of CDs they’d never heard by bands like The Kinks, Pavement, and Velvet Underground.
Sounds like their father and uncle assured that these boys got a massive classic rock education.
The Research Turtles’ website proudly proclaims that they are “America’s Newest Hit Makers.” That bravado may not be far off although it is a bit premature (Don’t you need a hit before you can be a hitmaker?) Nonetheless, you can flaunt it if you got it – and this band’s got it. Best of all, you can download the entire album for free.
-- Old School
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