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Economically recorded in the spare room of an apartment, the five-song EP from the recently completed
Chicago alt-country quartet focuses on bouncy beats and foghorn-bass vocals creating characters from
simple situations, throwing in the occasional accordion (performed by a classically trained pianist)
for good measure. Remarkably kinetic, the songs beg to be listened to all the way through; there is
scarcely a wasted measure on the short but satisfying disc. Mastered by Studio Chicago and with professional
packaging, the disc comes off as artistically lo-fi. Check out theadditives.com for a listen, as well as a
video for the opening track of the album. — Ryan Cunningham, Recoil Magazine
As I said, EP week, so this is another one. Again, only five songs on this "Back In Bridgeport."
The Additives are a viermans fomatie from Illinois, Chicago. Rather, three men and a woman, because on accordion,
piano and backing vocals, we have Sheila Bertolletti. The use of the accordion gives it a separate what folky touch,
but their music contain as bluesy and indie rock influences, the latter to you in all directions. And with only five
songs, the CD contains twice as many songs, then the diversity would definitely also have been twice as large.
Songwriter and lead singer Joe Ryan painter with words and hit a large dose opmerkingszin everyday life around
him as "Annamosity" or the history of a piece stalled relationship in "Baby, We Can Work It
Out" and "2 Sides Of The Matress (I 'M Moving Out) ". Best song is "Stare Out Old Man",
a grunge blues song about the transience of life, while "Annamosity" more radio qualities and has hitpotentieel.
You really too short for a picture of their qualities, so the first full CD should show whether we are in for a promising new,
original sounding band to do, as this debut seems to indicate.
- (RON) RootsTime.Be
The Additives are formulaic songwriters and can’t seem to vary the pace of their acoustic strum on Back In Bridgeport,
but accessible folk pop is what they’re after, and it’s what they achieve. Pianist/accordionist Sheila Bertoletti
did hard time in alien prog-pop troupe Cheer-Accident, so who can blame her for unwinding with sane drinking music? She accompanies
singer/guitarist Joe Ryan, who slurs low-register barfly wisdom over drummer Joey Werner’s even beat. People can relate.
– Mike Meyer, Illinois Entertainer
"The boys from Illinois just released their five-song EP Back In Bridgeport. As Country albums go, this one isn't bad. It's good
enough to warrant praise from Luna Music and popular radio stations in Belgium, apparently. Nothing wrong with being huge in Belgium.
Belgium is nice. They might know something over there that we don't. This EP has given us a chance to get a real feel for a relatively
unknown band hoping to prove that they've got the chops to stay in the game. They make their point, at any rate. Long for an EP, but
waaaay too short for a real sense of purpose, Back In Bridgeport is eventually effective in it's struggle to announce, as well as define,
The Additives as an act we should seriously be paying attention to. Set this scenario in Ireland and we've got a spot of Flogging Molly
meets elements of The Pogues, surprisingly enough. Give Joe Ryan a top hat and he's channeling Tom Petty. "Stare
Out Old Man", "Baby We Can Work It Out" and "2 Sides Of The Mattress" are the highlights on Bridgeport,
evoking great storytelling skills from our man Joe. Giving the tunes on this disc a spin feels like lounging on freshly cut grass.
And that ain't bad either. Feels nice.
- Kenya Jones , ACED MAGAZINE 3/5 Stars
“Back to Bridgeport” is a delightful new 5 track EP, which has recently been released by Illinois outfit,
The Additives. From the grungy blues of “Stare Out Old Man” to the funky folk of “Two Sides of the
Mattress”, this CD is a really tasty slice of Chicago Pie. Joe Ryan’s distinctive voice and imaginative
lyrics give a respectful nod to the musical traditions of the Windy City and its environs, whilst the simple production
conveys the feel of a heaving bar room. Admittedly, the use of harmonica and accordion induce droplets of nostalgia, but
this CD is firmly set in 2008.“Back to Bridgeport” is a really pleasurable listen and I’ll definitely
be playing tracks from it, over the coming weeks, during the “On The Verge” Radio Show. - Brendan Hickey
Producer / Presenter “On The Verge”Dublin South (93.9) FM
Live Show Reviews
"Absolutely my favorite band that plays Bernice's. They put on a great show, people like them and they are a pleasure
to work with" - Steve Badauskus - Owner, Bernice's Tavern, Chicago
"The Additives play an original and utterly refreshing hybrid of indie, folk, and subterranean Bridgeport blues. I'll
save you the comparisons and cut to the chase: this is pure pop genius. Drawing on the everyday, from relationships gone
wrong to more introspective numbers about family and friends to the "Champagne of Beers", Joe paints a distinctively
modern and poignant picture of life around him, while avoiding all the usual clichés. So save the gimmicks for the kids,
this is the real deal people: great tunes, smart lyrics, and timeless hooks will leave you singing their praises (quite literally)
for days. -ANDY SEAGRAM
Song Reviews / Comments
Stare Out Old Man
"Very rollicking blues riff that opens the song. Very Bob Dylan meets BRMC. I absolutely love the vibe of this tune.
Everything sits well in the mix which makes it sound very polished. Wow, this band smokes! " -NeilWelle, Atlanta, Georgia
"Real country rock feel to the guitar. I could imagine sitting in a bar in Nashville and hearing this start playing.
The male voice is very low and at times can sound a little robotic. It doesn't have a lot of emotion unless that was the effect
you were going for. The guitar is catchy and that melody could get stuck in your head!!! Quite a interesting, catchy song." - RiloKilee64
"Nice mood. Like the guitars in the intro. really good performance and everything is really tight. The track just rolls on.
The vocals are maybe a bit too "extreme" but a good idea. Nice song." - assel_92 Pargas, None, Finland
Annamosity
"Anna who? LOL! The lighthearted, minimal approach brings to mind Barenaked Ladies or They Might Be Giants. It is so
rare to hear genuine and witty lyrics here on garageband.com that you are getting all the extra credit I can give! - hankstone, Sayville, New York 1
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