Press Materials

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Bill Ribas, March 2005, New York Rock Street Beat:
One of the perks of this job is finding out about great bands that chances are, I never would have heard. Willamena is one of those bands. Probably best described with an "alt" in front of any style, the band has a rootsy, mid-American sound in their songs, occupying a niche somewhere along the lines of bands like Wilco, but more accessible. As song after song emerges from the speakers, I keep thinking, how could a band with this talent and sound not be on a big label? And, again, that's one of the aspects of this job that drives me nuts, seeing talented bands not get support – but I digress. And as the disc continues to play out, I also think, will these guys ever run out of hooks? Most of the impetus comes from the driving guitar of Chad Hendrickson, who plays simple fills and chord chunks, runs lead lines, and beautifully embellishes each song. Against this come the vocals of Lucas Ross, a voice that is slightly gravelly, slightly time worn, but smooth enough when needed, and able to bark when asked to. Fans of bands with an alt-country roots rock sound will find that Willamena fits the bill quite nicely. Make a new friend at www.willamena.net.

Music Revue, March 04, Melissa Hill:
"Spending months in the recording studio has surely paid off for Willamena.  The band's third album Far From The Current is an artistic creation that reflects the roots of American rock and roll.  The traditional mix of guitar, harmonica, and percussion generates from this album, this is the kind of music that is real.  Like the sounds of Tom Petty and Bob Segar this album isn't hiding anything, with a varation of instruments and pure vocals this music is both smooth and energetic, lacking the computer generated adjustments that have defined modern music.  Based in Kalamazoo, the band set our eight years ago to create music from the soul.  I highly recommend popping this CD into the car stereo and driving off into the night, great for a road trip or just a chill day when you want to lay back and listen to music that leaves you constantly tapping you foot and whistling along to the melody."

Grand Rapids Press, 2/5/04, Tricia Woolfenden:
"The Willamena sound is a highly proficient blend of rock, blues, and country.  Some might brand it as alt-country (think Wilco, circa "Being There")..."

"Rock Searched, Willamena Won."
John Serba, The Grand Rapids Press, 12/10/01 pg. B2.

"...consistently sharp songwriting, extraordinarily tight musicianship and a charisma that stemmed from the band members' unforced, passionate interaction."

"Rock Search; Where are they now?"
The Grand Rapids Press, 10/28/02 p. B1 (no author listed).

"... Willamena balances light and airy roots-rock with stellar musicianship and songwriting, smooth, catchy harmonies and a slight alt-country twang."

"Willamena puts together a show that's on par with national acts. Willamena proves that rock music can be intelligent, sincere, and exciting to listen to."
-- Kalamazoo Express

"Willamena has a sophisticated style and a compelling sound."
-- Western Herald

"The outstanding thing about this group is the range of songwriting talent."
-- Renegade Magazine

"Willamena is creating a buzz with its mature sound."
-- Kalamazoo Gazette

"Willamena... is indeed a major player on the West Michigan music scene... [with] a largely upbeat sound and a dynamic stage presence... Willamena's well-groomed live act is the product of a rigorous tour schedule that has seen it open for a number of national acts."
-- DigitalCity.com

"[Willamena's 'Ghost of July' is] well-recorded and played ... go buy one of these CDs for all of your friends."
-- Buddah Worthmore, Music Revue

"... 'Ghost of July' could be the most solid release from an unsigned local band this year... sonically superior... highly recommended."
-- Recoil

Contact:
Chad Hendrickson
517-304-9045
Lansing, MI
hendrickson_chad(AT)yahoo.com
www.willamena.net