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For a band that started out as a side project, New England’s Ashbrook Haynes sounds remarkably focused. ONE LONG CHASE, the sophomore effort for the sextet, contains fourteen original compositions from vocalist/guitarist Marc Rines and vocalist Karen Stanley which in execution rely upon melody and harmony, with memorable results.

ONE LONG CHASE, interestingly enough, is more than faintly reminiscent of the classic WORKINGMAN’S DEAD by The Grateful Dead. Not taking their cue from any particular song on that project, Ashbrooke Haynes sound as if they’re evoking the spirit, if not the letter, of that project, which was very different for The Dead at that time. It’s especially noteworthy on “Bird Of Flight” and “Did Me In.” At the same time, Stanley’s vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Natalie Merchant’s (though once in a great while her reach exceeds her grasp). The result is a mix that is comfortably familiar and yet unique without sacrificing accessibility.

One of the more interesting elements of ONE LONG CHASE is the reliance upon keyboardist Shawn McCann, particularly on “Did Me In” and “Ignoring (Makes It Easy).” McCann’s understated piano solos and fills are solid and dependable, even inspired at times; as ONE LONG CHASE proceeds, one tends to seek his contributions out, almost unconsciously.

While most of the tracks on ONE LONG CHASE are relatively low key, Ashbrook Haynes does occasionally rock out (“Hold Me,” for example) even if they don’t seem one hundred percent comfortable in doing so. The band is at its best on slow to mid-tempo numbers (“When Love Finds You,“ particularly) as befits the genre in which they labor. They have a considerable sense of dynamics and an astute instrumentation talent which on most of the tracks on ONE LONG CHASE holds them in good stead. A side project? Hardly. Ashbrook Haynes has a sound and identity all its own.