13 Steps

In any other world, Erik Wenninger would just be a university professor-slide rule and erudite observation at the ready. His day job is left at the office, though, when he straps on his six string and steps up to the microphone. His songs offer a pleasing juxtaposition of angst-infused literate hooks and driving, upbeat melodies that will leave your heart broken while your foot's tapping. Songwriting collaborations also add to the mix the grassroots sense of humor and lyrical witticisms of a former southern preacher. Grafted into this musical tree by strokes of luck and happenstance, the band's sound and lettered sensibilities are rounded out by acoustic engineer Andy Cluff (banjo, mandolin, backing vocals), college guitar instructor Michael Frew (bass), and music teacher James Abate (drums, backing vocals). In an industry where cookies are cut and copied and force-fed to the masses, the Barking Owls take the basic ingredients and create something that hasn't been heard before... or at least has never been quite this tasty. A new choice for honest listeners who want to get what they pay for. The band's blend of folk, pop, rock, alt-country, and bluegrass elements yields a catchy and thoughtful, yet accessible, brand of hand-made music that doesn't fit neatly into any one genre-quintessential Americana.