Ekoostik Hookah
Ohio Grown
self-released
This reviewer isn’t naturally inclined to enjoy the myriads of oft-tedious country-rocking jam bands, but Ekoostik Hookah have got me convinced with this one – Ohio Grown is a pretty great album, and far above its regularly oh-so-bland competitors. Always maintaining focus on melodies and compositions, Ekoostik Hookah avoid the trap of their H.O.R.D.E. fellows by using the longish jam bits to underline and accentuate the song, rather than for the sake of itself, and the extended instrumental work is both inventive and incorporated into the song.
From the raucous opening track “Dragonfly,” via the bluesy “Godspeed,” and the gentle feel-good track “Sweet Lucy,” Ekoostik Hookah may continually glance in the direction of Jerry Garcia, but never come off as merely derivative. 70 minutes of music may be overstating their point, but that’s what you get on here. And for most of the time they do manage to maintain the listener’s interest and curiosity. A surprisingly considered and intriguing affair from this Columbus, OH six-piece.
Ekoostik Hookah: http://www.ekoostik.com/
