Skip to main content

The SCENE Magazine

The 71’s: Rock and Roll Reaction 1

Oct 07, 2010 01:18AM ● By The SCENE Magazine
The first time I had heard of The 71’s was because of the now infamous Wal-Mart video... If you haven’t seen it yet, go to The 71’s website (www.the71s.com) right now and watch it. You will smile all three minutes. It’s classic.

Now, the first time I saw The 71’s perform live was during the summer at Island Star Live/Moody Gardens when they opened for American Idol Kris Allen. The show was exactly how I thought it would be – energetic with some seriously solid and upbeat rock songs. This has been the breakout year really for The 71’s. They have performed on Great Day Houston, the video for their song “All Tied Up” was shown on Channel 11 during the Houston Texans home opener pre-game show. The band has been on a statewide summer tour and the best is yet to come.

Since the release of The 71’s first full length CD called “We Are Locomotive”, they have been writing and developing the (awesome) idea of releasing three EP’s over a twelve month period. The first EP with six songs and aptly titled “Rock And Roll Reaction 1” will be released on October 15th. “Rock and Roll Reaction 2” will be out in January when The 71's play the House of Blues (Houston). Tickets are on sale at www.the71s.com.

The Scene Magazine had the pleasure of reviewing “Rock And Roll Reaction 1” prior to its release. This is not a hard review really. The 71’s have a reputation for quality. They simply will not rush and put music out to their fans and have to say “oops, sorry, my bad” later. The band is first class all of the way. Here is a quick rundown of what you are in for:

“All Tied Up” is extremely catchy and lets the guitar shine. “Fire Tonight” is a beautiful slow song, but has heavy melodic sound (think manly ballad). “Heart Attack” has a sexy southern rock feel to it and doesn’t let up. Grab a fan when it’s over.  “Ready For War”, despite the title, is a funky song with a big ending.  “Love Slave” has cool drum intro and heavy bass. “Ready For My Love” has a 70s feel to me with emotional vocals and may just be my favorite song in the EP.

Besides being a group of talented guys, they love their fans and want them to have the music in hand BEFORE the EP comes out. There are two ways. One, go to www.the71s.com and purchase your tickets for the CD release show at Mainstage on Main (Oct.15). Or two, help The 71's spread their music as far as you can by joining the street team.  Join at www.the71s.com and click FREE MUSIC.

Members of the Houston based rock band are Keeton Coffman (vocals, guitar), Ryan Cecil (guitar, vocals), Jacob Lisenbe (bass, vocals), and Tank Lisenbe (drums, vocals).

By Rhonda Meredith (Published in the October 2010 issue)