CD REVIEW: Steve Cowgill "Everyone We Know"

Independent bands that spawn side projects are a rarity, but it does happen. Sometimes the members of a band need to branch out on their own during breaks in the action to let their own personal creative juices flow. Steve Cowgill of Bag Of Toys has done just that on his debut solo release. Not an incredible departure from the stuff he puts out with Bag Of Toys, his solo collection is a happy and fun, sunsoaked collection of tunes that fans new and old will enjoy. Cowgill is an incredible songwriter as is evident on songs like "Cool Breeze" and the title track. The inclusion of horns on a handful of tracks brings out the party vibe that Bag Of Toys is known for, and the quieter acoustic guitar driven songs bring Cowgill's artistry to the forefront. Bag Of Toys certainly is an excellent band, but Steve Cowgill and his debut album have shown that a band's success is definitely attributed the creativity and talents of its members.