St. Anne Pumpkin Festival Newspaper Article, September 16, 2005

Pathfinder CD Review - written by Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, January 26, 2005

Pathfinder CD Review - written by Joe Peters November 17-18, 2004

Pathfinder CD Review - written by Tim Brouk, Journal and Courier, January 30, 2005

Pathfinder CD Review - written by Scott Smith, Tipp-c, January 2005

Pathfinder CD Review - written by Mark Slone, thirdleg.net, January 2005

EP Review - written by Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com

New!   Pathfinder CD Review - written by DM Jones, whatzup.com - 2007

Musicianship – 9 out of 10

When reviewing a second release for a band, (we previously reviewed a self-titled project for Tim) I usually go back and read my previous comments, just to see if my feelings have changed any regarding the artist and his music. With regard to Tim Harrington’s talent, I found that I agreed with my previous sentiments! With regard to the overall quality, a lot has changed! The awesome guitar work of Tim Harrington shines against the backdrop of excellent rhythm work that has been created for every song! For that reason, I like this CD better! Because the sound is more present, and the quality of the playing is much more evident, I found myself enjoying the music more, and really getting into the songs! Tim has a way of blending Hard Rock choruses with smooth, jazzy riffs on the verses. This combination provides just the right emphasis for hooky, memorable songs! I should also mention that Tim’s vocals sound really good on Pathfinder, too. His vocals are also much more present this time around, and as such, the words are much more distinct. I really like what I’m hearing this time around!

Songwriting - 9 out of 10

Several of the songs that are included on this release were also included on Tim’s self-titled release from 2003; those songs have been given a facelift on this record, and are accompanied by brand new tunes that mix well thematically with the older material. In particular, Tim blends the song (Talons of War) seamlessly with (Soldier Song) for dramatic effect! You have to hear it to really get the full impact! Tim maintains the dark tone of his lyrical content, but a lot of the songs on this album seem to have more to do with love and love lost than his previous release. Maybe my frame of mind changed from one album to the other; whatever the case, I didn’t experience the empty feelings listening to this record that I did when I listened to the other album. I like the songs on this record, lyrically and musically. I feel they are very representative of the talent that Tim Harrington possesses!

Sound Quality/Professionalism - 10 out of 10

This is the area where the biggest improvements have been made! Tim’s first record was good, but it lacked the intensity and the polish that Pathfinder displays. From the first notes of (All There Is), you can tell that more thought went in to how every vocal performance and instrument should sound. The focus is now on Tim’s guitar and vocal performance jointly, and in my opinion, that’s how it should be! The mix is good, the tone and timbre of the instruments is satisfying, and the overall production value is phenomenal. I enjoyed listening to this record thoroughly, and thought that it was a good showcase for the abilities of The Tim Harrington Band!

Packaging – 9 out of 10

The packaging for Pathfinder provides a truly professional representation of The Tim Harrington Band. The photography/artwork is very cool, and the information included in the insert (lyrics for all the songs and production credits) is very informative. In short, the CD looks as good as it sounds! Kudos to the design team!

Favorite Tracks

All There Is
Soldier Song
She’s So Wrong
Wait
Does It Really Matter

Overall Rating – 9 out of 10

I usually make a big deal out of one particular aspect of an artist’s project. With Pathfinder, I feel like so much has improved, that I can’t really focus on any specific issue! Instead, I will focus on the overall quality of this recording! The level of professionalism has become so high, that I really can’t find anything to gripe about at all! Well-written songs are performed superbly; those performances have been captured with awesome production value, and packaged in a great-looking CD case/insert! What more can you ask of an artist?

I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to review this record. I think that Tim should be very happy with the way that it turned out, and should have no problem selling many, many copies! Additionally, if he can put together a great live show to support the CD, he should be a hit with fans of many different musical persuasions! Nothing sells CDs like a good live performance of the songs included on that CD!

Get your hands on a copy of Pathfinder as soon as possible! It is a great record that I had a blast listening to! You’ll find something interesting on several different levels, I’m sure! Give it a listen and discover again what music as an art form is supposed to be all about!—Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 1/26/05 *Listen to the Tim Harrington Band on MWB Radio!

But overall, I can’t say enough good things about the album, and hope to catch the band live some day. I want to hear the live sound to compare to the appeal of the album. And the graphics are REALLY GREAT. I am into the art of an album, so I look at this aspect automatically, and you have a very appealing layout. The brick theme is superb, and the shot under the CD itself is perfect. Thanks for the music!

Tim Harrington Band celebrates release of `Pathfinder'
Tim Brouk
Staff
Journal and Courier

By Tim Brouk
tbrouk@journalandcourier.com

Tim Harrington's musical journey could already fill a book.

The Lafayette rocker toured Europe in the Army while stationed in Germany. He made it through Berklee College of Music in Boston. He engineered projects by Wilco and Eminem.

"I wasn't a fan of rap remotely," recalled Harrington of his one-day session with the Detroit rapper at a studio in Champaign, Ill. "But he was a humble and hard-working guy, and I found new appreciation for his work."

At 43, Harrington's latest chapter takes him to Pathfinder, the debut album from his latest project, the Tim Harrington Band. The disc contains 10-tracks of rock-based tunes with flavors of jazz, blues, Latin and even reggae.

The Tim Harrington Band will celebrate the release of Pathfinder with a concert at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Purdue University's Fowler Hall inside Stewart Center. Fort Wayne rock act Teays Vein will open the show.

Pathfinder was recorded in Harrington's home studio as he has as much experience behind the soundboard as he does on a stage. Harrington's day job is selling studio equipment in Fort Wayne. He previously assisted Champaign producer John Pines on the quick Eminem project as well as the Wilco side of Mermaid Avenue II, a split album with Billy Bragg. Harrington worked closely with ex-Wilco member Jay Bennett, and learned a great deal about collaboration.

While Harrington's roots are in rock, his time at Berklee introduced him to new guitar-picking techniques, better song arranging, classical music theory and jazz guitar.

"Berklee really helped me hone and refine my skills with working with other musicians, conveying ideas and writing," Harrington said.

The tracks on Pathfinder sound very clean and push Harrington's crunchy guitar licks to the front. "All There Is" kicks off the disc with some sharp blues riffs, and "Rain" is the rock epic at 8:19. "Wait" is the most lighthearted tune as it is about what a guy goes through waiting for his girlfriend to get ready for a date. The verses are done skillfully over reggae beats.

Harrington plans on sending Pathfinder beyond Greater Lafayette for some out-of-state exposure.

Local music fans may remember Harrington from his previous cover band, Big Giant Head. After responding to a drummer wanted ad at a music store, drummer Michael Hicks is the only holdover from Big Giant Head to The Tim Harrington Band. He said this band is "probably the most serious project I've been involved in."

Hicks' drumming influences come from rock deities including Alex Van Halen and John Bonham. He is also inspired by swing legend Buddy Rich and even the quiet music of James Taylor.

"I try to draw from all influences to create something different than what's out there today," said Hicks, who previously performed with long-defunct act Common Ground.

Hicks shines in the track "Talons of War" as the music is written in 7/8 time. After years of 4/4, it took him months to get it down. Hicks said he can play it a lot better since it was recorded.

The core of the band is rounded out by bassist Michael Plake. The band also employs part-time musicians to help fill out the live sound. There's rhythm guitarist Mike Wildermuth and keyboardist Jason Bennett. Steve Borghi brings his auxiliary percussion skills to help flesh out the Latin side of tunes with his congas and timbales.

"I was really pleased with the CD," Borghi said. "I think the added percussion brings the energy levels up in some of the songs."

Harrington is happy to have a solid lineup behind him.

"One thing I've learned as a musician: You can't do this alone," Harrington said.

If you go

What: Tim Harrington Band CD release concert

When: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Fowler Hall-Stewart Center, Purdue University

How much: $10

On the Net: www.timharrington-band.com

Music fans may know the Tim Harrington Band from their area gigs or from airplay on local radio. The group has played regional festivals like the Taste of Tippecanoe, Greater Lafayette Rubber Duck Race, and Hot Summer Nights. “Pathfinder,” the debut album, showcases Harrington’s talent as a guitar player and signals a shift from a hybrid of originals and cover songs to an all-original set list.

The opener, “All There Is,” starts off with a grooving bass line and a rocking lead guitar riff that sets the mood for the album. There is a lot of great percussion layered in the mix that adds to the overall sound of the group. The lyrics convey a dark attitude that is consistent throughout.

On “Does It Really Matter,” Harrington gives a somewhat gloomy perspective on life but takes on a positive twist with lyrics like, “Give it everything you got cause there’s nothing left to lose. The world turns on its own; with or without you.”

“She’s So Wrong” captured me with memorable guitar and bass guitar work. Harrington’s vocals are impressive on the verses, however the chorus seems a little weak.

A great reggae vibe and lyrics that are fun and extremely catchy make “Wait” my favorite song on the album. It’s probably the track that would appeal to the broadest range of listeners.

“Rain” and “Colors of Love” flow together with the sound of rain and seem to be meant to be together. Good production makes this marriage work flawlessly. The tracks hint at influences from the past and remind me of 80’s power ballads.

The album is an overall solid effort from a group of talented musicians. Harrington proves to be a songwriter that is capable of combining a variety of genres that appeal to a wide range of music fans. There is something in “Pathfinder” for everyone.

In mid-2003, a friend of mine told me he was now playing bass with local band Big Giant Head. I didn't give it much thought, Tim Wagoner had played in several cover bands as well as original bands in the few years I had known him, ranging from standard covers to Gwar-like originals (he has an uncanny taste for Gwar's fake blood and will travel many hours to get a taste). At the time, Big Giant Head was to me nothing more than another local cover band, lost in the minions of other cover bands playing every redneck bar in the state. In the winter of '03/04, Wagoner informed me that the band had been working on originals, and gave me a link to check out samples. Then in April '04, Wags let me know via email he would be moving out of state, and his last local show with the band would be that month, and he asked all his friends to come out and party with him. I made the mistake of missing that show, it was the same day as Purdue's Grand Prix, and I was busy with all these other bands playing shows that night. By this time, Big Giant Head was in transition mode, leaving behind the monikor people like myself knew as a mostly cover band, and reestablishing themselves as the original act Tim Harrington Band. Now, with the release of "Pathfinder," I wish I had taken them more seriously in the earlier days. For this is a band that embodies the quality & heart of the midwest, and will have a great impact on putting the Lafayette music scene back on the map.

To understand how this band has become so good, all one has to do is look at singer/songwriter Tim Harrington's background. Learning guitar in his early teens, he honed his skills in the Virgina Beach area. During his years in the Army, while stationed in Germany, he helped form the band "Reflexx," touring across Europe for three years. Tim then earned a degree from Berklee College of Music, and continued at the Conservatory for Recording Arts & Sciences. He has taught everything from guitar to tuba, and has authored a guitar instructional book. His resume includes working with such notables as Wilco, Eminem, Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, Arlo Guthrie, and more. All one has to do is read through the bios on the THB website, www.timharringtonband.com, and you'll be amazed that these guys have flown just under the radar for so long, and understand the buzz that is building.

Pathfinder reflects many of the band's influences, such as Kansas, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and Rush. A mix of jazz, blues, southern rock, latin, and even a little reggae. Lyrically it's very thought provoking, tackling everyday life subjects such as love lost, to the struggles of a soldier's family.

The CD begins with "All There Is." Starting off with a jazz/blues feel, it quickly jams with some heavy guitar riffs, then back to the jazz/blues. A solid start to the cd.

The next track, "Does It Really Matter," picks up the pace. I like this song not just because it's well written, but because of it's message. Anybody who's ever pushed themselves to please others will definitely relate. With a guitar solo in the middle (something severely lacking in current rock these days), it's an all around feel good song.

"A Letter" comes in on track 3, and shows the most obvious influence of all songs on the CD. If you heard this song on the radio, you would instantly think it was a new song from Santana. A great song to sit back and enjoy while drinking a Corona. I can see why 95.3 "The Rocket" has these guys on the radio so much.

"She's So Wrong" for me is the catchiest song on the CD. This is the song that runs through my head for hours to come after listening to the CD. It's the first song on the CD I would label as hard rock, and displays Tim's vocal range as he easily switches from aggressive to harmonizing vocals. This is a radio hit waiting to happen. Perhaps I like it so much because I can relate to it so easily in my past..!

Track 5, "Wait," shows the band's diversity with a mixture of rock and reggae. It's also one of the first songs with some great backing vocals from the band. The chorus drags on a bit too long in the end, but you can't help singing along.

The next two songs, "Rain" and "Colors of Love," are the two ballads on the CD, and the two songs with the most emotion put into them. Both songs deal with the loneliness after a break up, somewhat bitter, and yet longing for the past. The music matches the soulfulness of Tim's vocals. At over 8 minutes in length, Rain is truly a modern monster ballad. The songs are joined together by thunder & rain, so as not to lose the mood from one song to another. Colors of Love starts out with piano and has a slower, more bluesy feel. Anybody in one of those moods where you're depressed and don't want cheered up at the moment, will love this slower interlude.

"Talons of War" opens with sounds of warfare, which quickly turns into ripping guitars. Any fan of 70's/80's hard rock such as Kansas, Boston, or even Rush will like this song, not that the music is entirely like them, but the harmonizing vocals are very reminiscent. Though somewhat formulaic, this song is a good combination of classic and modern rock. I could see a video made to this song, with current news headlines flashing throughout.

"Soldier Song" continues the war theme, but instead of having the wartime feel of the heavier Talons of War, this song focuses on the soldiers' families. Anybody with family in the military overseas will fall for this song. It fits the times all too well. With the country split about the war America finds itself in, this song is a unifying one. If this song got out to the right people, it could be the next big wartime theme song. Instead of a video with current headlines flashing throughout, I could see someone like 60 Minutes using this song as background music to one of their stories about American soldiers.

Finishing out the CD with an upbeat is "I Don't Know You." Probably the heaviest and most modern song on the CD, some of the most aggressive vocals and guitar work are saved for this song. But it's the little things, such as the background vocals and the "huh's" and "hah's" that make this song work so well. A solid finish to a strong CD.

I don't consider myself a music critic, and I'm not a musician to know how well instruments are played. But I can say this CD changed my mind on a band that I had made a lot of assumptions about in the beginning. And the quality is superb, far above the usual local band garage recordings. This is a well written, well recorded CD from a band with a lot of experience. I personally thank the Tim Harrington Band for getting me an advance copy. THB will be celebrating the release of Pathfinder on Feb. 2nd at Fowler Hall (Purdue), with opening act Teays Vein, at 8:30pm. Logon on to the Tim Harrington Band website, www.timharringtonband.com, for more information and for samples from their CD Pathfinder.