TISHAMINGO – The Point

Anything but new to the music scene, Tishamingo bring a vibrant sound to the Southern Rock market. It took two years to produce, but The Point is exactly the kind of record Tishamingo dreamed of making.

Formed in the late-1990s in Athens, Georgia, the quartet of Cameron Williams (guitar/vocals), Richard Proctor (drums), Jess Franklin (guitar/keyboard/organ/vocals), and Chuck Thomas (bass) have built a steady following, thanks to relentless touring, sometimes performing as many as 200 shows per year.

With The Point comes breakout potential, thanks to strong songwriting and excellent production. Producer John Kurzweg helped Puddle of Mudd and Creed develop strong albums and an identifiable sound. He’s done the same with Tishamingo on The Point.

Twelve tracks in all, the album opens with “Get On Back,” featuring a lengthy instrumental beginning. The track sets the tone for the entire album, preaching the message of self-fulfillment and happiness. This mellow track is followed by the Bluesy “Are We Rolling,” a song with obvious regard to 1970s Southern Rock — American style. While Tishamingo are developing their own sound, they will always be compared to the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers Band. “Are We Rolling” sounds just like a track from Skynyrd’s lengthy discography.

A few tracks later, The Point changes dramatically with “Travel On.” Taking a cue from Southern roots, the song sounds more Bluegrass than Rock. In fact, on first listen, the track seems misplaced; more at home on a Union Station record than a Rock release. On further reflection, it is clear “Travel On” is intended to bridge the story line between songs, changing the entire feel and flow of the album and setting the stage for the tracks that follow. It’s no surprise, then, that “Travel On” is at the midpoint of the record.

As Williams croons his way through nearly an hour’s worth of material, some high points remain. The best track on the album is “Bad News,” a real rocker with a hard backbeat, pumping rhythm, and precise lyrics. This song sounds like a Classic Rock staple, even in 2007. “Bad News” is more pleasing than any song the Eagles ever released, and has real potential for getting mainstream radio play.

The unique “Tennessee Mountain Angel” is next, serving as two songs in one. The track is the longest on The Point, changing tempo and message halfway through. “Tennessee Mountain Angel” starts out as electric Blues Rock, becomes acoustic, and then bounces back to Rock.

The heaviest track on this overall mellow release is “Hard Fall.” The slow intro, whining guitar, and dark, brooding lyrics create a mystical blend of Rock and accessible Pop. “Hard Fall” sounds just like Johnny Cash meets your hometown jam band. The guitar solo is eloquent, perfect to enjoy while doing shots of Jack Daniels. This is band that knows their genre, knows how to write lyrics, and certainly knows how to deliver.

Tishamingo are

Cameron Williams (guitar/vocals)
Richard Proctor (drums)
Jess Franklin (guitar/keyboard/organ/vocals)
Chuck Thomas (bass)