The Meadows

“Todd Herfindal and Kevin Houlihan have spent plenty of time figuring out how to make good music. Folding in rootsy instrumentation into a lush power-pop anthem sound, the Meadows quickly create a comfortably exciting atmosphere. These pieces sound like songs you've been singing in your head since you were ten, except that they're new. Oh, yeah, and they placed one of the songs on this album ("Younger Yesterday") in a very small movie (Little Manhattan). Just to show that, indeed, they know what they're doing. Hell, that's obvious about 20 seconds into the disc. It sure is powerful, but it's not harsh and shiny like you tend to get on a major label release. The sound here is like your grandpa's leather easy chair, strong but ever so comfy after fifty years of use. The band's web site calls this the most unanticipated album of the year. A joke, but possibly true nonetheless. My guess is that the next Meadows album will have a bit more buzz behind it. Damn, this is good.” –Aiding & Abetting - Aiding & Abetting

“. . . Twelve tracks steeped in the acoustic soul of Big Star and sprinkled with the arena-rock dust of Coldplay. Triumphant choruses like “We can be anything” (“Been So Long”) and “Today will be the brightest day” (“Turn It Around”) continually burst out of melancholy verses to reveal our narrators as true believers in the power of the perfect rock song.” - Rolling Stone

“The band’s sound brings to mind many welcome images, at times recalling Oasis anthems as sung by the Thorns, while at others recalling the glory days of the Jayhawks or the more subdued vibes of Mitch Easter and Don Dixon.” - Amplifier Mag

“At creating a pop hit, these guys should be called “the Masters.” - Playback: Stl

“Their warm, radio-ready sound combines the epic sweep of The Verve with the rootsier qualities of The Gin Blossoms and never sags nor sours.” - Miles Of Music

“. . .Strong deeply melodic songs, simple yet moving, not ruined in production, fresh yet atmospheric. The Meadows relate tales of love and life. . .just bloody superb emotionally charged song bombs . . pulsating drums, bass, vocals, and a movement that will never fade away, give up, or fail you. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. . . just class. . . Applause please. 5 Stars” - Music-News.com

Los Angeles-based duo The Meadows don't just have all the right influences (Pete Yorn, Teenage Fanclub Ryan Adams and The Jayhawks) in check on their self-titled debut, they've also got a stunning knack for songcraft. Boasting alternating frontmen Todd Herfindal (ex-Blue Sky Roadster and Single) and Kevin Houlihan (formerly of The Fundamentals and Moontower), the pair join forces to assert -- through this resourceful and immediately charming 12-song cycle -- that they've spent enough time in almost-famous bands. From the heaven-sent, swooning of "Been So Long" to the tender, reflective "Younger Yesterday", The Meadows' take on guitar pop --bolstered by thumbs-up harmonies and ace arrangements -- can be as dazzling "Turn It Around" as it is exhilarating "Dreamer". 4.5 Stars out of 5 -Highly recommended.
- Allmusic.com