Women of Country - The Internet's #1 Guide to Female Country Music

Album Review

Bering Strait
Bering Strait
Universal South Records

Bering Strait consists of seven classically trained Russian teenage musicians. They made the trek to Nashville and were quickly signed to a record deal. That was just the start of their story. Four years later they have been through five record labels with no album being released. They then found themselves living out on a farm with their manager, restricted from getting “day jobs” by their work visas with their manager quickly going bankrupt. It’s the kind of story you don’t hear very often. All the struggles have paid off when the band was signed to Universal South Records and now their debut album is finally out on the shelves in your local music store. But is the music worth it?

In short, it’s a solid debut album, but it’s not earth shaking. There has been a lot of hype about this bands musical training and their brand of country that infuses bluegrass, pop, and rock sounds. In truth the music is really a pretty run of the mill standard Nashville country release.

That’s not to say the album is bad. Songs like “What Is It About You” and “Tell Me Tonight” are strong and could do very well on radio. “I Could Be Persuaded” has this odd old-time feel that reminds you of both old country songs and an oldies classic. Then you have “When Going Home” which is well written and one of the best songs on the record. It would be my pick for the next single out to radio. It could put them on the map. It tells the story of going home after a bad relationship and how it feels like going back home is moving on to another part of you life. It’s a tale that a lot of people can relate to. You even get a live track “Like A Child” which is another strong song written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Bering Strait performs it well.

The problem is not with the songs or with the band. The lead singer has a distinct voice, the band plays well together and they picked a solid batch of songs. The trouble, as with many country releases lately, is that you won’t find too many reason to keep playing this record once you listen to it a few times. It’s one of those releases that you enjoy the first few times through and then put it back on the shelve where most likely won’t see the light of day for awhile. The album is missing a key element to make it really outstanding and it’s difficult to pinpoint what that might be.

Bering Strait is without a doubt a very talented group of musicians. It’s great to finally get to hear their music and with a few albums under their belts they’ve got the talent to turn out a real classic. However, currently the debut album serves as a good introduction to this new group but you can’t help but feel that it barely scratches the surface of their true talent.

Album Review by Jeff Krasky

The WOC Rating Scale

The album stands above the rest. This is a record that every country music fan needs to have in their collection.

This album is better than the average release. A strong record with some flaws that keep it from reaching that 5 star level.

This album is an average country release. Doesn't posses qualities that make it stand out among all the other albums out there.

A weak record that lacks solid songs or good vocal performances. Sample before you buy.

This record is a bargin-bin reject that just isn't worth the time or the money. Completely misses the mark.