Land Of Opportunity

This smashing debut recording by the one of the worst-named bands in Wisconsin history (if not all of rock & roll) is economical at ten songs, but there are no clunkers on board. E-I-E-I-O's Land of Opportunity takes its inspiration from rockabilly and roots rock, but is not confined by the stifling mannerisms of those genres. Vocalist and songwriter Steve Summers' rich melodic voice often comes close to a country-esque yelp, but never gives in to stereotypical nostalgia, even with nearly all of the songs' subject matter somehow relating to travel. Guitarists Rob Harding and Mike Hoffman (who left the band before the recording of That Love Thang) are razor sharp, especially on the breakneck "Go West Young Man." Summers and the band's other songwriter, bassist Richard Szeluga, rarely co-wrote songs, and their individual tastes keep the album's perspective interesting and fresh. The compact disc release added two songs from the "Go West Young Man" 12" single.