Reviews

Love or hate 'em, reviews are part of the process. Check out what the critics and listeners have to say about Andrew D. Huber and The Gecko Club.

CHASING TIME

From FOLK WORLD

http://www.folkworld.de/75/e/cds1.html#hube

"Chasing Time" is the 6th album from Illinois singer-songwriter Andrew D. Huber. Huntley is his base, a small town (or big village if you like) and not Chicago with its electric blues and blues rock, Huntley though is a part of the Chicago metropolitan area, which might explain Huber's easy transition from folk into folk-rock. I loved his "Mockingbird Gallows" album from 2017 which was a real stunner.[65] Hard to follow up with, though he tried. After a recording break of more than three years, "Chasing Time" is a promise to come close. Acoustic folk rock with a Celtic tongue, remindful of the Waterboys or the Hothouse Flowers, is right up his alley. Fiddler Jo Marie Sison and percussionist Anthony Jay Houston are his assistants in climbing the peak. It goes down well - regardless of playing a grooving show-stopper or an almost epic ballad. In the folk rock realm, Huber is also amongst the superior when it comes to lyrics. I am not surprised that the album's leadoff single, "Safe Passage Home" (see the lyric video on Youtube) has received substantial airplay. At least on airwaves not yet ridden by cash and commerce. © Walkin' T😊M

MOCKINGBIRD GALLOWS From FOLKWORLD - named Mockingbird Gallows as a "best of 2017"

http://www.folkworld.eu/65/e/2017.html
FROM the FOLK AND ROLL RADIO SHOW: (spotlighting "Ringmaster" at 43min in...) https://www.mixcloud.com/folkandrollradio/show-5-part-2-the-folk-and-roll-radio-show/
FROM FOLKER: https://www.folker.de/rezis/rezensionen_vergangen.php?ausgabe=201503®ion=ku#ku60 ANDREW D. HUBER Mockingbird Gallows geckoclub.com (NorthLight Records NLR014) Promo-CD, 12 Tracks, 44:30 „Akustischer Folkrock mit einer keltischen Note“, so beschreibt Huber seine Musik. Obendrein spielt er neben Gitarre, Mandoline, Banjo und allerlei anderen Instrumenten alles selbst. Er ist ständig auf Tour, um seine druckvollen Songs zu spielen, nur leider nicht in Deutschland. Live ist er sicher ein Ereignis. mf
FROM FOLK WORLD: http://www.folkworld.de/65/d/cds.html Andrew D. Huber "Mockingbird Gallows" Northlight Records, 2017 www.andrewdhuber.com www.geckoclub.com I have no clue if Andrew D. Huber has any Irish ancestry, his name certainly suggests rather origin from the Alpes than the Emerald Island. Anyway, these days Celtic music is not restricted to a flawless pedigree, and "Mockingbird Gallows" is a clean and straight Celtic folk rock album. Most of the time Huber acts out as the frontman of the guitar-pop group The Gecko Club. As a solo artist Huber has a fondness for melodies of the Irish/Scottish variety. He didn't deny it before FolkWorld's David Hintz wrote about his latest album "Mercury Gets A Moon": "Huber has a fine folk-rock approach with brisk songs that rock out just enough for a rousing night in the club, but hold on tightly to a fine catchy melody. He has a touch of Irish in the mix, but not in any overwhelming sense. It almost approaches a certain Eastern Canada/UK hybrid folk style."[57] On his fifth solo album Huber goes for the full monty and ploughs the field claimed by MacGowan's Pogues[22] or McDermott's 2 Hours.[29] His up-tempo songs are rabble-rousing, his ballads are hymn-like, you can sing along either way. Though at first sight, "Mockingbird Gallows" seemed ok but not too exciting, I became fond, nearly addicted, after repeated listening. Yes, it is the real deal when it comes to folk rock music: smart and memorable! © Walkin' T:-)M 
FROM NORTH SHORE ART SCENE: http://northshoreartscene.info/?p=10523 "Listen to a great interview with singer/songwriter Andrew D. Huber that was broadcast on WTIP’s The Scenic Route last week. WTIP’s music director, Will Moore, interviews the musician who talks about his music and plays a few songs. Click here for the interview. "
FROM CELTIC ROCK.DE: https://celtic-rock.de/andrew-d-huber-mockingbird-gallows-2017/ Andrew D. Huber mag sich nicht zwischen den Rollen als sensibler Liedermacher und als Frontmann einer Rockband entscheiden – und das ist auch gut so.Der Mann aus dem mittleren Westen der USA legt bereits sein fünftes Soloalbum vor, das entsprechend routiniert produziert wurde. Huber hat in Irland studiert und dort seine Liebe zur keltischen Musik entdeckt. Die Arrangements sind stimmig und jedes Lied hat eingängige Zeilen, die sich gut mitsingen lassen. Die Eigenbezeichnung ist „acoustic folk-rock with a Celtic twist“. Die Wahrheit über das eigene Leben ist Thema des Albums: Durchhalten, sich finden, seine Ziele auch gegen Widerstände verfolgen. Auch die negativen Erfahrungen gehören dazu, zusammengefasst im Titelsong, der an einen düsteren Western erinnert. Huber hat eine angenehme Stimme, der man gerne zuhört, sei es sparsam begleitet oder mit einem klassischen Celtic-Rock- Arrangement. Er ist Multi-Instrumentalist und bringt neben seiner Gitarre auch Bass oder Mandoline ein. Prägend ist außerdem die inspiriert gespielte Geige von Jo Marie Sison. Ein echter Knaller ist auch enthalten: Singing til I Sail. Ein Trinklied für die Hafenkneipe, das sich in unserer Radioshow Pub Songs gut machen würde. Das Arrangement wechselt effektvoll von Solostellen zur vollen Rock-Power. Gut gefällt mir auch der Song, in dem er seine Rolle als reisender Musiker reflektiert: Postcards from the Stage. Manche Inhalte erschließen sich sofort, für andere hätte man gern Erläuterungen, wie der Verfasser sie sicher in seinen zahlreichen live-Auftritten anbietet. Ein gut gemachtes, abwechslungsreiches Album.
From FOLKWORDS: http://www.folkwords.com/folkwordsreviews_105270.html ‘MOCKINGBIRD GALLOWS’ - ANDREW D. HUBER - THOROUGHLY ACCOMPLISHED ALBUM (February 06, 2018) First came across this rock-tinged folk when I heard the album ‘Mercury Gets A Moon’ somewhere back in 2014 when this ‘folk touched by the rockier side’ cut through the background to make a huge impression. And now here comes the follow up, and the result is Mockingbird Gallowsexactly the same - seriously captivated by this music - Andrew D. Huber writes engaging songs, embellished with precisely enough energy to make the right impact. Huber calls it: "acoustic folk with a Celtic twist", although that will do for me, there’s a lot more too – hook-laden tunes you cannot help but embrace, anthemic songs that stay long after they finish and ballads with sensitive engagement that carries some beautiful observations. ‘Brandon Bay’ opens and pulls you along, as does the drive of ‘St. Patrick’s Well’ before the gentle expression of songs like ‘Postcards from the Stage’ and ‘Harbourland’ make their lasting impression. There’s the reflection of the outstanding title track ‘Mockingbird Gallows’ and ‘Mean, Mad Cruel, Terrible World’, before the quiet acceptance of ‘Dimming’ and then roaring along comes ‘Singing ‘til I Sail’. A thoroughly accomplished album. Playing on ‘Mockingbird Gallows’ are Andrew D. Huber (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, mandolin, bass, bouzouki, tenor banjo, dulcimer, keyboards, percussion) Jo Marie Sison (violin, melodica) and Anthony Jay Houston (drums, percussion, vibes) with the talents on selected tracks of Emily Aldridge (vocals) Mary Bell (flute, harmony vocals) Aidan Huber (drums, percussion, vocals) Margaret Huber (harmony vocals) and Hilary Russell (vocals). FROM ARTIST RACK BLOG: https://artistrack.com/andrew-d-huber-mockingbird-gallows/ Irish-folk-rock troubadour Andrew D. Huber has just released his career defining fifth solo album “Mockingbird Gallows”. The album takes the songwriter’s intended craft of “acoustic folk-rock-with-a-Celtic-twist” to a whole new level and ranks among the finest in the modern Celtic Rock genre. The songs are sharply arranged, smartly performed, and expertly hit the “tug-of-war-of-life” note the songwriter is known to angle toward. Take special note of the rush and stomp of ‘Brandon Bay’, the glorious Celtic-pop of ‘St. Patrick’s Well’, and the beautifully plaintive “Author’s Note”. There are twelve songs to love here, go and listen!  

MERCURY GETS A MOON From FolkWorld: Huber has a fine folk-rock approach with brisk songs that rock out just enough for a rousing night in the club, but hold on tightly to a fine catchy melody. He has a touch of Irish in the mix, but not in any overwhelming sense. It almost approaches a certain Eastern Canada/UK hybrid folk style, although Huber operates out of the Midwestern US states. There are plenty of good songs on this album and his warm and breathy vocals are a fine starting point for this music, although there are plenty of fine instrumental parts as well. © David Hintz https://nicetrygcps.appspot.com/www.folkworld.de/57/e/cds4.html#hube
From Celtic-Rock.de: Andrew D. Huber veröffentlich mit “Mercury gets a Moon” sein viertes Soloalbum. Hier finden sich 15 eher ruhigere Kompositionen des Gecko-Club Frontmanns, die dennoch überzeugend und handwerklich gut gemacht daher kommen. Manche Songs liefern irisches Storytelling ab (Two Drink Charlie), andere wiederum kommen mit mehr Druck daher (Tell the Devil). Dazu gibt es noch eine Menge Balladen des Songwriters. “Mercury gets a moon” ist ein glattes Album, dass auch gut auf Funkhaus Europa laufen könnte. Aber lassen wir ihn doch für sich selbst sprechen: http://celtic-rock.de/2015/03/andrew-d-huber-mercury-gets-a-moon-2014/#more-7949
From MUSIC MORSELS: The Midwest has always been a hotbed of talented songwriters, despite cities like L.A., NYC, Austin and Nashville always getting credit. Illinois’ Andrew D. Huber graces us with his forth release which explores further depths of his songwriting while keeping the alt-Heartland folk-rock vibe intact. His wonderful vocal work is obvious right out of the gate on the title track with subtle power in bare bones passages sandwiched by hard edged folk rock grooves. “Scarlett Kissed a Sailor” “ and “Two Drink Charlie” have Celtic story telling vibes with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a toe-tapping rock backdrop. “Gabriel and the Sparrow” shows a mellower side graced by violins and honest, sweetly emotive vocal work. “San Antonio Greyhound” is a meaty but still folk-edged Heartland rocker. Andrew breaches both extremes of the spiritual with the wicked pounding Irish folk of “Tell The Devil” followed by the lush, soulful ballad of “God Will Bring a Better Day.” Andrew has an extraordinary depth to his songwriting pool, but does not mind avoiding a true comfort zone by swimming in the eddies and rip currents. His obvious talent for playing and singing makes a combination that can really get its hooks into you. – MW https://musicmorsels.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/andrew-d-huber-mercury-gets-a-moon/
From SOUNDPRESS.NET: Illinois indie rocker Andrew D. Huber's Mercury Gets a Moon has been called an acoustic-rock-folk-celtic hootenanny throwdown and it marks another step forward for his straight-forward, personal folk-rock storytelling that is bound in earnest and emotional songs. http://www.soundpress.net/files-feature-articles-sson/fa-2015-02-05-sson.php
From MODERN FOLK MUSIC OF AMERICA: andrew d. huber is a singer/songwriter from the great plains of the american midwest. his straight-forward, personal folk-rock tunes are earnest and emotional. his new album 'mercury gets a moon', showcases his songwriting against a varied backdrop, from delicate picking and atmospheric strings to full-on, driving roots rock. check out a few tunes below. http://www.themodernfolk.net/2015/01/andrew-d-huber-mercury-gets-moon.html
From SING OUT! - new release feature:https://www.pinterest.com/singoutfolk/sing-out-folk-music-new-releases/
From ECLECTIC CHAIR: (featured on podcast #20!) http://radiochair.blogspot.com/
(Review provided via email by an attendee of the CD release show) I was invited to a new music album introduction concert for the first time. Mercury Gets A Moon by Andrew D. Huber (Northlight Records - Andrew D. Huber + the Gecko Club + NorthLightRecords - Home). His music is in the acoustic/Celtic genre, but it’s complicated. First of all, let me say that I am a fan of Mr. Huber. So, if you’re looking for an unbiased, snarky review, you’ll have to go elsewhere! What gives me the right to write (gall) a review, you say? Well, firstly, I have been to Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales many times. Secondly, I have spent a considerable amount of time in the pubs at each sipping on a pint of ale, bitter or Guinness listening to local Celtic music (as far as I can remember!). I do play the guitar, but I am a devout blues and rock and roll fan. Lastly, I am old. Which my children say gives me the right to say anything… they just caution… “ignore him.” Ahh… the album Mercury Gets A Moon by Mr. Huber…. Overall Impressions: This is a bottle of wine album (or at least several pints!). Sit down, have a bottle of your favorite wine handy and listen TO THE ENTIRE ALBUM! There are drinking songs, thoughtful songs and (my favorite) deeply personal songs to enjoy on this album. Some are very Celtic and others are Celtic – “esque.” The wide range of songs is deeply satisfying. There are simple songs and songs with more filigree than a widow’s handkerchief. Listen closely. His best lyrics are Hemingway-like and that sudden introspective take on the experience. His best music celebrates the Celtic rondo character type (look it up). One can tell that Mr. Huber had fun doing these songs. Not one felt like it was that “I have to have one (two) more songs to do to finish the album” many albums have. The Songs: I won’t say something about EVERY song… but these are the one’s that struck me. Gabriel and the Sparrow – Possibly the best song I have heard in a long time. It took me away to a different time (place) during the song. It is Andrew’s best introspective song! Don't Tell Me Of The Sea – Absolutely wonderful! A full-on creation of Celtic/Storytelling/Life Lesson. Wanted more! Broken Sky – Seemed to be the defining song of the album (although not the title song)! Tell The Devil – Next to the bottle of wine, have a shot of really good Irish Whiskey waiting for this one. Genius! Bet this was fun to write! Noah Had It Right - Celtic/Storytelling/Life Lesson at it’s best! Conclusion: Get this album by Mr. Huber. It is worth the money spent to experience these great songs!
 CONCERT PREVIEW: www.whatzup.com/Current_Issue/Picks.pdf
DAYS AMIDST THE DUST From Illinois Entertainer http://illinoisentertainer.com/2012/06/around-hear-july-2012/ On Andrew D. Huber’s third solo release, Days Amidst The Dust, his acoustic folk rock with a Celtic twist is highly infectious. The 13 tracks are well-crafted, emotional, and memorable. His thought-engaging lyrics and heartfelt melodies permeate the whole of the disc. “Letter From St. Paul” and “Devil’s Mouth” walk the path of Simon & Garfunkel or Bob Dylan. “Box Elder Stomp” is a head-bobbin’ ditty that will put a smile on your face handclaps, effects, and chants all enhance the mood and feeling of the song. Imagine yourself at an Irish bar at 2 a.m. drunkenly and gloriously singing along in unison with others to some great folk anthems – this is the feeling of Days Amidst The Dust. (andrewdhuber.com) – Kelley Simms
DAYS AMIDST THE DUST - 5 stars! Artist: Andrew D. Huber Album: Days Amidst The Dust Review by Matthew Forss Days Amidst The Dust is the third solo album from the Illinois-based Andrew D. Huber. A talented vocalist and guitarist, Andrew incorporates the bass, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, flute, stick, gong, keyboards, and other instruments for a well-rounded alternative pop, folk, and Celtic-inspired production. Thirteen songs represent a candid, intimate, and creative adventure of folk stylings. “Resurrection Mary” begins with a Celtic-inspired guitar melody and Andrew’s fine story-telling vocals. The guitar and percussion is relatively light without modern, electrified additions. The folksy song contains wavering strings and the sparkling tones of the mandolin. The magical composition is a catchy tune with all the giddy offerings of Celtic music and folk elements. Though, the vocals are not accented, the music still retains a creative, Celtic spirit. “Bugle” is a solo acoustic guitar tune with Andrew’s story-telling lyrics leading the charge throughout. The plaintive song is very reflective and folk-infused. The slowly-played guitar and quieter vocals than other songs possess an intimate spirit overall. “Bottom Of The Glass” begins with an alternative rock approach with a more acoustic guitar presence, but the vocals reflect a rock element that becomes louder after the first thirty-seconds. The drinking references are mainly reserved to the song title, but the pub-centric song contains a writhing melody that could be composed by R.E.M. In fact, Andrew’s vocals reflect a Stipe-esque presence throughout the song. “Heyda” is a short, but carefully-crafted, instrumental tune on acoustic guitar. It is a fitting song for an intro or outro on any folk guitar or Celtic album. “Dust Of The Earth” is another R.E.M.-inspired tune with echoing sounds, poetic murmurs, folk-rock arrangements, and anthemic elements. The opening seconds contain radio static and a slowly-played acoustic guitar that accompanies Andrew’s voice. The bass and percussion kicks-in with a moderate-tempo and folk-rock elements that contain spacious sounds and keyboard noises. The song opens up for a little instrumental interplay that does not last longer than a few seconds, but the catchy melody and good vocals make this song a memorable one for the album. “The Very True Story of Maggie McGlynn” opens with Andrew’s heartfelt vocals and the picking of a mandolin. Some percussion adds a level of rhythm with a drone of strings. The Celtic-inspired tune contains back-up vocals amidst the punchy arrangements. The story-telling ambiance is evident throughout, but the catchy elements are strong and worthy of repeating. “Buffalo Plaid (Comic Book Hero)” opens with Andrew’s youthful vocals that are joined by the bass, electric guitar, and accordion-like sounds throughout. The mix of folk and anthemic rock is nominal, but the electric guitar shines mid-way through the song in a solo display of skill. The waning vocals and whining guitar sounds produce a fine example of Celtic-folk-rock that meets old school Weezer. “Make The Mountain Low” is an intimate, quiet, and reserved composition for solo guitar and vocal. Andrew’s plaintive guitar playing and folk vocals are reminiscent of Australia’s Xavier Rudd. At any rate, the sub-two-minute song is a fine addition to the album—no matter where it falls in the track-listing. Andrew D. Huber’s Days Amidst The Dust is an intimate showcase of Celtic-inspired tunes, folk-rock ambiances, and remarkably catchy songs for seemingly any occasion. The ability to create simple songs with simple melodies is paramount for any album. Andrew succeeds on all accords by incorporating inventive and varying vocals, varied song structures, and several instruments to create an engaging result. Fans of R.E.M., Xavier Rudd, and all Celtic-folk music will find enjoyment in Andrew’s latest release. Review by Matthew Forss Rating: 5 Stars (out of 5)
Andrew D. Huber - Days Amidst the Dust - review from the U.K.! Andrew D. Huber - Days Amidst The Dust (NorthLight Records) The third solo album from the Gecko Club frontman, Andrew D. Huber, is another hugely satisfying slab of lively Celtic folk-rock. Lyrically, he’s coming out fighting, with songs of resistance and reclamation providing no shortage of fist-in-the-air moments. When he’s at full tilt, he hits his acoustic guitar like it’s wronged him in a previous life, but for the most part he shows mercy, and let his voice and words provide the passion. He fills out the sound with various wood and string instruments, including bouzouki and mandolin. The album opens with “Resurrection Mary”, a wonderfully evocative title for a song that refers to Chicago’s infamous hitchhiker ghost story, though Huber messes with the narrative and turns it into something different. Perhaps it’s a love song - definitely a song of longing. It’s my favourite track here, but there’s plenty more good stuff to enjoy. “Grand Marais” transports the listener to the banks of Lake Superior and the Minnesota harbour town that gives the song its name. It’s a song about the troubadour life, a form that when done well can be compelling. Here Huber nails it. On “Bottom of the Glass” he teaches his guitar a lesson it won’t forget in a while, and it’s good and rousing. “Letter from St. Paul” is no less powerful, though infinitely quieter. www.geckoclub.com Rob F. - Leicester Bangs 'Zine 
Andrew D. Huber - Feature article http://huntley.patch.com/articles/huber-putting-finishing-touches-on-third-solo-album#photo-7378324 
Andrew D. Huber - Seagull Seagull author: Steve Sobiech The album sounds like Andy, his own sound. I've read reviews of him sounding like other bands, but to me, it's his own voice coming through. It's great to hear an artist be able to put his heart on the line, and record it so the rest of us can hear it. Great work, Andy!  Excellent, excellent.
FIVE STARS Review by 3rdAlteration Andrew D. Huber creates a true album experience with great poetic lyrics and carefully crafted music throughout. Seagull has got soul, love, sadness, joy, spirituality, booze and trains: it's like Johnny Cash meets the Waterboys ("One More Round", "Union Station" and "Yellow to Crystal" are particular standouts in those terms). Highly recommend.
The Gecko Club: Evergreen Published in Pop Matters. By Jason MacNeil 28 August 2007 The Gecko Club don’t distinguish themselves from hundreds of other bands, but they don’t embarrass themselves either. Working around a format where guitar power pop is king and all should genuflect to it, the group open up this musical journey with a warm, Cure-ish “Sixteen Different Ways” that also recalls the Connells at their finest. “Kaleidoscope” takes a bit longer to cozy up to, but “Pretty Victorian” is, well, quite pretty. But the Gecko Club can also dish out Morrissey-ish maudlin Britpop, as is the case with “Chairman of the Bored” and the jangle-laced “Justified”. The album is also strong because it never has a rough spot, with “Run So Far” and the calming title track ensuring the consistency remains top notch. The homestretch contains more of the same with “Had a Secret” and the dance-rock vibe coming from “Brand New Hope”. But things take a noticeable swing with softer singer-songwriter tracks like “Penguin Song”.
The Gecko Club - Evergreen author: soundpress.net [REVIEW by Richard J. Lynch for www.kweevak.com and www.soundpress.net] The Gecko Club are musical chameleons and somewhat reptilian in their approach to their craft. The colorful Evergreen has a way of growing on you. They sound is part 80's new wave, part R.E.M., part Styx, part Furs and the Cure and part AC/DC wrapped in a darkly understated neo emo ethos. Curious at first - but by the second listen through it becomes apparent that this amphibian-like rock outfit is an endearing creature like Geico's current spokesman - and these guys will help you save more on indie music. Because, once you go green you might not ever be able go back! Heavy and ambient guitar pop abounds on this CD that peaks with the mesmerizing "Kaleidoscope" and the alluring "Pretty Victoria". The Gecko Club is looking for members - will you climb on their difficult to grasp but solid rock to embrace the evergreen way? You got nothing to lose but a little green.
Great Album that features the #1 Engage Radio hit "Had a Secret" author: Indie Maverick Simply put, "Evergreen" rocks. Smart songs, clever arrangements, and at least 4 songs that could chart if given the chance. As a matter fact, "Had a Secret" hit the #1 spot on Engage Internet Radio in the spring of 2007. The band prove they can sing and play their hearts out on tracks like "Sixteen Different Ways", "Kaleidoscope", and "Pretty Victoria", and the title track is a subtle, intoxicating song that seems to wrap in all the elements of this band into a handful of minutes. Not many groups can pull off placing a celtic-inspired chantey-esque ballad ("My Lovely My Sea) in the midst of a power-pop gem, but the Gecko Club pulls it off. 
Andrew D. Huber - TEN SONGS FROM THE SIDE ROOM Impact Press August-September 2003 Readers' tapes TOP PICK "You know how you need a shot of sake after a sushi bender? Well, after you've digested all the punk and hardcore in your CD collection, let Andrew Huber clean your palette. His soft acoustic songs are right from the pages of James Taylor and Dan Fogelberg, and he even gets a little rockin' and twangy on tracks like "Tearin' Me Down." Get your mellow on." (SH)
Great Review from Music Morsels! author: Mark E. Waterbury Andrew D. Huber - Ten Songs From the Side Room Singer/songwriter/guitarist for the band Gecko Club, Andrew D. Huber's first solo album melds folkish melodies with styles ranging from mellow country in "Celebrity" to the atmospheric "London" and rollicking "Favorite Local Bar." Andrew's voice gains notice right away with it's pleasing timber fueled by a sort of ambient power. Solid lyrics and the talent and desire to do things a bit different bode well here. URL: http://www.andrewdhuber.com E-mail: geckoclub@aol.com
recommended author: Anonymous A friend of mine recommended the song "superhero" to me while I was going through a rough time......ended up loving the whole album......"I am no superhero, and I will never be so blessed" kinda says it all. completely listenable
author: Glenn P This album drew me in a bit. The songs are short and shamelessly rely on catchy melodies. The guitar playing is adept and the vocals ring pretty & clear. Lyrics are a little perplexing at times, but that may be intentional - kind of like a movie with a real-life ending. If the stark lyric and production of track #2 ("Celebrity") doesn't move you, you may be dead. My other favorite was "First Ten Year", which laments missing the big high school reunion -- sort of. Have not heard the Gecko Club's album (his electric band I guess?) but this one is pretty damn good.
Up-close, personal, and honest music author: Paul H. The great storytelling lyrics of Micheal McDermott combined with the multi-instrumentalist talents of Robert Johnson (the other RJ). Something for everyone. Check this CD out!
Cool music, great cover author: Charlotte S. Not being that much of a big fan of this genre (more of a classical listener I guess) I thought some of these songs were pretty cool. Overall a good purchase -- the picture on the cover is worth the cost alone! -- Charlotte S.   
Tokens, Trash, or Tarot Cards Recording Volume 16: Number 11, August 2003 Readers' tapes "'The Present' is a driving male rock vocal song . . . Healthy driving bass with good tone. We like the sound of the entire drum kit. . . . A real band that can play tightly."
PULSE of the Twin Cities Volume 4: Issue 21, August 23, 2000 Gecko Club: Artist of the Week "The Gecko Club is more fun to listen to than the name might suggest. Operating under the moniker since '94, Andrew Huber plays guitar and sings, Tom Huber plays bass and keys, and Chris Kahl plays drums. The trio is augmented by Christopher Collins on fiddle on a number of tracks. Tokens, Trash, or Tarot Cards is all tension and melodies. This crew carries fuzz guitar pop close to its collective heart. The overall sound of this record is tuneful. The vocals are buried ever so slightly beneath the surface. [Songs] like "Merry Merry" and "KellyAnne Sometimes" suggest a tuneful bittersweet mood rather than hit the listener over the head. "Church For You" is a blurry tapestry of sadness, and yet there is a smile through the tears. Where there are obvious nods to anglo pop, there is also the stray homage to bands like Psychadelic Furs or Peter Gabriel. Their cheerful yet pouty songs manage to stick with you. Enjoying airplay in a number of markets out east, and college radio in the midwest, Gecko Club seem to be well on their way. Do you like subtle shimmering pop? Gecko Club's got the goods." T. Alexander
Top 40 Baby!! author: the Indie Maverick OK maybe not actual Top 40 charting here, but there are several missed hits within this album (at least to my humble ears). Melody is king with the gecko, as evident thoughout the whole disc check out "KellyAnne Sometimes", "The Present", and "Fall" and dry your tears after the empathetic "Lighthouse". Hope to hear more from these guys down the road. 
Been Nowhere (out-of-print demo) Cake Magazine, Issue # 25 "My dictionary defines the gecko as a lizard with "a short, stout body, a large head, and suction pads on its feet". A pretty apt description of this local four piece, if you ask me. For the most part, their music can be tagged as dreamy, psychadelic pop with few frills which, at its best, ventures close to Robyn Hitchcock and the Chills. In fact, "Kaleidoscope" is the best Chills' song I've never heard them do. At it's worst, there is a self-importance to the orchestration they bring to some of the songs (all four members boast classical training) which has a tendency to bring things to a sloggy halt such as on "Everywhere Between Us". Regardless, it's the music that matters and here it's quite good. In fact, these songs are catchy enough and alluring enough to stick to you like, well, a gecko would." (GK -- Cake Magazine, issue # 25)