Press
Now the Sons have released Tempest, a four-song EP, the best any band can be expected to do under COVID. They haven’t lost it. Every song is a grand slam: hard-driving, passionate and flawlessly performed. Karl Obermeyer has the goods as lead singer and songwriter; Rick Paukert and newcomer Keith Raney, on lead and bass respectively, are exemplary guitarists; guest keyboardist Jesse Mueller is a great find. And Mike Jueneman’s drumming? Holy sh-t! read article » Richard Thomas, Duluth Reader, February 11, 2021
The production is very reminiscent of 90s rock artists and Karl the frontman of Capital Sons has a really awesome vocal timbre that is gritty and warbles with pure emotion. “Revolution Road” is about finding a place you fit in. read blog post » Ian McFarland, Hot Lunch Music, March 1, 2021
Tempest is a coming of age EP. “Revolution Road” sounds like an anthem — a call to come to Revolution Road, “where ideas won’t get strangled.” But it’s a personal call. There’s a lot going on with the song. There’s a guitar solo that takes the song into a new direction for a minute but then blends into a complex sound that leads the song to a strong finish. read blog post » Ann Treacy, Mostly Minnesota, February 28, 2021
If you read my reviews you know that I love a good rebellious song that is written about the experiences of the times. “Revolution Road” is such a song. Timeless lyrics like, “we need to realise, it is time to visualise, we have seen enough to know that nothing ever changes,” really do make “Revolution Road” a song to sing out loud with meaning. I see “Revolution Road” as a place that you can go to find people who feel the same way, but is also a metaphor for all of us to actually stand up for what we believe in. read blog post » Music Injection, February 26, 2021
This cd arrived in our mail with the handwritten note, “Hello, we’re an established indie rock band from NE Mpls … ” I put it on with a bit of dread, expecting something slow, echoey, whiny and depressing. Instead what I got was slick, fast and upbeat. It’s closer to the pop rock found on FM radio, except for once you wouldn’t dive to change the channel. read article » Richard Thomas, Duluth Reader, September 13, 2018
My friendship with Minneapolis-based band Capital Sons has been an interesting one. Interesting, because for the last three years, these guys have been joining me on my podcast Another Round where we’ve been playing their tunes from time to time and having the guys on for interviews as well. Heck, they have even given two songs for our Food & Song compilations and have been very generous with their time. Funny thing is, we had never met face to face. That all changed this past weekend when I attended their CD release show at Ziggy’s in Stillwater. I must say it was a rockin’ good time!
I have always had great admiration for Capital Sons since I was introduced to their music years ago. As their lead singer Karl states often, it is just heart-on-your-sleeve rock-and-roll. Where many bands rely on ridiculous gimmicks, Capital Sons lets its music speak for itself. Now, they have always been a tight band on their previous records, and now I can finally attest to that being true for their live performance as well. But where Rose-Colored World stands out is with the exact precision of these songs. Though I have tremendous respect for their back-catalog (see tunes “Amsterdam,” “World Gone Cold” or “Miss Understood” for examples), these songs on Rose-Colored World are a cut above.
“Fugitive,” the leadoff song on the album, catches your attention right away. The combination of John’s bass line and Mike’s drumming really carry this song and it’s an ideal opener that sets the tone. Also, I love the change on the bridge to the second half of the song. “Pollyanna” is another one that stands out, with Karl’s big vocal. “Anchor” is the slow jam on the album and it is a beautiful tune. My lone complaint is I wish it were longer. “Dear Alicia” has some great guest vocal work by Maria Meade. It’s also a great tune to jam out to while driving. “Mexico” might be the hardest tune on the record, and it features some great harmonica, and some delicious licks by Rick on guitar. The album ends with a clever take on “Immigrant Song.” Though a strong cover, I would have been just fine with the album ending with “When the World Falls Down.” That one just has a closer vibe to it and is a testament to how strong the album is sequenced.
What makes Rose-Colored World stand out to me (if I have to pick just one thing), is how you cannot necessarily define this band by one genre. There are flashes of early rock influences, 80’s Minneapolis bands like The Replacements and wonderful 90’s bands like Gin Blossoms and Semisonic. Rose-Colored World is a wonderful record full of plenty of variety and it also makes me wonder what this band has up their sleeve for their next trick. Whatever it is, I don’t see anything slowing them down. Live and on record, this band is a well-oiled machine and I think they are just warming up.
Top 3 tracks: “Fugitive,” “Anchor,” “Dear Alicia”
Trevor Brown, host of the podcast Another Round with Trevor Brown
Great music and I love Karl’s great vocal range. A very good all-around band! Benjamin Raye, DJ at 93X in Minneapolis
Les Sons du Capitale sont rockin’… in fact they’re cocked, locked and ready to rock doc. They would go well with a red, or a white — or a wine with a screw off cap. Luke Welsh, Director of Marketing, Red House Records, October 30, 2009
These guys have grown leaps and bounds in the past year or two, and this collection of ditties proves they’re ready for the next phase. One to be proud of. Tom Hallett in The Pulse of the Twin Cities, December 28, 2006
Right from the get-go, Capital Sons wowed me. They play rock ’n roll with a classic feel. HowWasTheShow.com, May 19, 2006
Featuring graceful melodies with both upbeat and slow tunes, the Capital Sons are sure not to disappoint the concert goer. sotanLIFE.com
The vocals are soaring, glorious and keening… the guitars are riff-a-licious… the drums are driving and pounding… the bass is throbbing, insistent and hypnotic… the perfect meld of all of those sounds and more — seven songs that each stand on their own as viable radio singles and memorable, ear-pleasin’ daily soundtracks. Tom Hallett in The Pulse of the Twin Cities, January 26, 2006
…it’s super accessible, guitar-driven alt-rock and a great start for group who are going places. Perfect Porridge, March 22, 2006
…creative pop harmonies and intriguing song arrangements… this band has the goods and is willing to share. J-Sin of Smother.net
This is a tight band. The rhythms are solid, the guitar work is good and catchy and the vocals are pretty well done. Gary Schwind, Rocknworld
Mixing, shaking and distilling such honorable influences as Paul Westerberg, Pearl Jam and a healthy dose of classic pop, these guys are poised to make their own estimable mark on the Cities and beyond. Capital Sons [self-titled debut release] just might be the debut album discerning alt-rock fans have been eagerly awaiting. Tom Hallett in The Pulse of the Twin Cities, July 21, 2005
Guitar and drums driven pop, with a bit of soaring in the choruses. Feel-good stuff. Palebear
The Sons convey the [Counting] Crows mixture of darkness and light and it works well on this record. David Brusie, Rift Magazine, Issue #11