Artist: Cardinal Trait

Title: You Already Know

Genre: Roots Rock

Label: Emanon Records

Website: http://www.cardinaltrait.com

You have heard the term cardinal sin, well, in reference to music; we have a band called Cardinal Trait hailing from Oklahoma. This is a twist on a negative term to make it more positive and forceful upon first impression. Therefore, we are off to good start right out of the gate. The title of the album reveals a truth right from the beginning of the opening track “Something More.” Their roots rock melodic sound makes you feel all warm and tingly inside, like You Already Know them.

I really enjoyed this album; in fact, I appreciated it immensely because there was not one throwaway track. If you were wondering what this band sounds like, the best way to explain it would be they are a combination of REM, Hootie and the Blowfish and Dave Matthews with a smidgen of the Allman Bros. for good measure. Sounds like heady stuff indeed, however, I did hear all of those influences in their musical output. Each of those bands has a distinct sound and a magnificent reputation for recording quality music. So to say, that they are in good company and going in the right direction is hitting the nail right on the head.

This band has a melodic foundation with a marvelous pop sensibility; they are intelligent, crafty, and very talented at every position in the band. Get ready folks, the south is gonna do it again. They have all the cardinal traits of greatness and I hope you as the listener are curious enough to check them out, if you don’t you will be missing one of the best musical rides of 2004.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

November 30, 2004

Rating-9/10

Credits:

Aaron Vaughn-vocals, acoustic guitar

Mark Sullivan-lead guitar, bass

Josh Vaughn-drums, backing vocals

Will Porter-backing vocals

01. Something More

02. All For You

03. Every Now And Then

04. Flashback

05. So Called Friend

06. Nowhere Land

07. Ardmore

08. White

09. Lately

10. Let Me Be