Schucks Road

Folk-pop by definition has singable melodies in it. But there are gradations within that distinction: Mumford and Sons’ tunes are essentially pop songs that happen to be played on folk instruments, while bands like o’death come much more clearly out of a storytelling-heavy Americana tradition. An easy indicator of where a band falls on this spectrum is the level of attention given to the vocals in the mix.

Schucks Road falls toward the poppy side, playing songs in the vein of The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and old-school Caedmon’s Call (when Derek Webb was still with them). Their five-song EP One By Land features vocals prominently, but never neglects putting a song under the vocal melody. This gives fans of singing along plenty to exercise their vocal cords upon, while still showing that there are songwriting chops to be appreciated. Opener “Flesh & Bone” and piano-heavy “The Bar” deliver rapid-fire, Avetts-style singing, while “Heart of the Country” and “Lantern” deliver resonant, comfortable vocal harmonies. The latter strips some of the pop sheen away to focus on the hymn-esque, gospel vocal melodies and a poignant fiddle performance. It’s a highlight track that gives their strengths the full spotlight.

Schucks Road’s One by Land is a good introduction to a band with vocal poise and songwriting skill. If you’re still into the genre (someone told me that The Lumineers are “over”; are we reaching the end of the folk-pop moment?) as hard as I am, this will be a worthy listen for your upcoming relaxing weekend. - Independent Clauses

Bands with banjos have become something of a cliché in the past few years, possibly to the point of fostering a bit of five-string fatigue. Don’t let that keep you from checking out Brooklyn-based Schucks Road, which consists of guitarist/pianist Michael Perrie Jr. and guitarist/banjoist Brandon Pfeltz. On their recent EP One By Land, they wisely use the banjo to add flavor and texture without overwhelming the music. The real stars here are Perrie and Pfeltz’s good writing, excellent harmonies and fine melodies, all contributing to a lively folk-pop sound with some country undertones.

The two share songwriting credits on the EP’s five songs. Lyrical themes include the quest for success, and its high price (“Chasing Stars”) and spiritual struggle (“Flesh & Bone”). “Heart of the Country” is an exuberant anthem to the positive side of love; “The Bar” is similarly up-tempo, but it’s about breakups, barrooms and bitterness. The closing track, “Lantern,” is a gentle, harmony-driven love song that features a nice combination of acoustic guitar and violin, courtesy of George Robson.

Perrie and Pfeltz are from Maryland, but they formed Schucks Road in New York in 2012, writing their first song by candlelight amid Superstorm Sandy’s wind and rain. That’s a tough way to start a band, but One By Land is a promising beginning. - Sun209: The Americana Music Journal

"Bands with banjos have become something of a cliche; in the past few years, possibly to the point of fostering a bit of five-string fatigue. Don’t let that keep you from checking out Brooklyn-based Schucks Road, which consists of guitarist/pianist Michael Perrie Jr. and guitarist/banjoist Brandon Pfeltz. On their recent EP One By Land, they wisely use the banjo to add flavor and texture without overwhelming the music. The real stars here are Perrie and Pfeltz’s good writing, excellent harmonies and fine melodies, all contributing to a lively folk-pop sound with some country undertones.

The two share songwriting credits on the EP’s five songs. Lyrical themes include the quest for success, and its high price (“Chasing Stars”) and spiritual struggle (“Flesh & Bone”). “Heart of the Country” is an exuberant anthem to the positive side of love; “The Bar” is similarly up-tempo, but it’s about breakups, barrooms and bitterness. The closing track, “Lantern,” is a gentle, harmony-driven love song that features a nice combination of acoustic guitar and violin, courtesy of George Robson.

Perrie and Pfeltz are from Maryland, but they formed Schucks Road in New York in 2012, writing their first song by candlelight amid Superstorm Sandy’s wind and rain. That’s a tough way to start a band, but One By Land is a promising beginning." - Paul T. Mueller - Sun209: The Americana Music Journal

"Folk-pop by definition has singable melodies in it. But there are gradations within that distinction: Mumford and Sons’ tunes are essentially pop songs that happen to be played on folk instruments, while bands like o’death come much more clearly out of a storytelling-heavy Americana tradition. An easy indicator of where a band falls on this spectrum is the level of attention given to the vocals in the mix.

Schucks Road falls toward the poppy side, playing songs in the vein of The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and old-school Caedmon’s Call (when Derek Webb was still with them). Their five-song EP One By Land features vocals prominently, but never neglects putting a song under the vocal melody. This gives fans of singing along plenty to exercise their vocal cords upon, while still showing that there are songwriting chops to be appreciated. Opener “Flesh & Bone” and piano-heavy “The Bar” deliver rapid-fire, Avetts-style singing, while “Heart of the Country” and “Lantern” deliver resonant, comfortable vocal harmonies. The latter strips some of the pop sheen away to focus on the hymn-esque, gospel vocal melodies and a poignant fiddle performance. It’s a highlight track that gives their strengths the full spotlight.

Schucks Road’s One by Land is a good introduction to a band with vocal poise and songwriting skill. If you’re still into the genre (someone told me that The Lumineers are “over”; are we reaching the end of the folk-pop moment?) as hard as I am, this will be a worthy listen for your upcoming relaxing weekend." - Stephen Carradini - Independent Clauses: Unusual Words About Underappreciated Music

"As you will know I am way behind with posts due to the events but these guys contacted me a while back now and I must admit I really enjoyed this collection of their sounds. Schucks Road are an Americana/folk band from New York consisting of Brandon Pfeltz and Mike Perrie.

Their sound results from an upbringing in Maryland combined with cited influences including Josh Ritter, The Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons and Johnny Cash. Definitely one for you americana, roots and folk lovers out there and yet the quality of music here transcends beyond any strict genre labels. I feel this will be enjoyed by fans of many other genres too. Ooh, must mention the harmonies – WOW! http://www.schucksroad.com/"

-Rob Powell - Band of Badgers Presents

Who were these two banjo picking, guitar strumming guys running down Roosevelt Island's East River Waterfront West Promenade towards the Queensboro Bridge the other day.

No, they were not trying to catch the Tram, the F Train or being pursued by Public Safety. The guys, Brandon Pfeltz and Mike Perrie Jr. are the members of Schucks Road and were shooting a music video here on Roosevelt Island.

They are pretty good. Take a listen.

According to The Living Room:
On a cold night in October, Brandon Pfeltz and Michael Perrie Jr. formed Schucks Road while stranded in the blackout of New York City during Hurricane Sandy. Their first song was written by candlelight while the rain pounded against the window of their apartment building on Roosevelt Island....
More on Schucks Road at their web site and Facebook page.

Apparently, Roosevelt Island is the home for some talented musicians like Shucks Road and Emily Mure.

Hey, The Lumineers and Avett Brothers started somewhere too. - Roosevelt Islander Online