One for the Ditch

released July 1, 2009

One For The Ditch is a record that definitely has been flying under the radar since its release last year from the collaborative group of singer/songwriters Tim Easton, Leeroy Stagger and Evan Phillips. Individually these three artists have been putting a stamp on the indie Americana scene with Easton being the most "known" and recording with New West Records. ESP sets the tone on the first three tracks as Stagger kicks off the record with "Hell Of A Life" which captures the essence of every struggling musician while Phillips "Highway 395" deals with the turmoil of a lengthy relationship and Easton simply talks about love on "In Love With You". What you notice immediately is that the individual personalities are set to the side and as a group they cover all the bases and offer up the best of what they have musically and lyrically. The real essential element of ESP's success is their three part harmonies and inviting vocal styles, which regardless of who is on the lead you won't really care because you will enjoy all three. This feeling really culminates at the midpoint with "Festival Song" that includes some great sing-a-long moments as well some great back n forth between all three artists. The other moment that makes the listener simply take in the music is the quieter Easton closing title track "One For The Ditch" that lets his strumming put you into the perfect trance and only pushing you in one direction upon completion - hit repeat and let ESP roll again!