Round the Wheel by the String Cheese Incident

by deadheaddave, Apr 9, 2008

The first studio recording of The String Cheese Incident will not let you down.

The String Cheese Incident (SCI) has become one of the primary jam bands to embrace the live music festival scene. The band has been able to communicate their diverse musical taste into their musical performances. To try to label this band into a musical genre would be unfair and would not do the band justice. The musical styles vary from classic rock, bluegrass, country, salsa and Latin style music. It displays the immense talent that this band has when they can successfully mix all of these styles.

The album starts with the Latin/Salsa feel of “Samba Degreeley” and “Come as You Are.” These two tracks are filled with great drum playing. Track three of the album is a SCI fan favorite in the bluegrass/classic rock flavor of “Restless Wind.” The flat picking guitar riffs on “Restless Wind” are great, played with lots of feeling.

After “Restless Wind” the album takes a classic rock groove on “On the Road” and “Road Home.” Then on track six the band takes a "spacey" (almost 2001) style on “Galactic.” “100 Year Flood” returns the band to a bluegrass style filled with great mandolin playing and catchy guitar riffs.

The festival favorite “Got What He Wanted” is track 9 and will have this song stuck in your head for a while. Track 10 is a personal favorite, “Round The Wheel” is an easy starts with an easy rhythm progression that transitions with a very catchy bass riff into a climax that will have your feet moving.

Lastly is a great song about the trails and tribulations we all feel in life “Good Times Around The Bend.” This song returns the band to their bluegrass roots and is filled with great musicianship from the entire band.

The majority of String Cheese's albums are recorded live; this is their first studio album. While some fans prefer their live recordings, their studio releases cannot be ignored. “Round The Wheel” is a very high quality album that captures the spirit that is String Cheese. It is a must have for any fan and a good starting point for anyone that want to get introduced to their music.