Now it can be told. “Into Place,” the new album from JD Eicher & the Goodnights, is not just another new release. It’s the final installment of a trilogy, a layered journey of change and growth. The music and the songwriting have evolved. Its message is confident and mature, the themes deeper and more introspective.

The lead-off track Ode to the Underdog, an anthem for indie musicians and anyone who laments the ongoing struggle for success, cheers us on: “We’re right here coming back for more. We will endure…Don’t you dare look down.”
It’s a perfect lead-in to the second track Give it Up with its message of firm resolve and irresistible upbeat pop funk sound. The lighter mood continues with You’ve Got a Lot of Growing Up to Do, a laundry list of people and situations that hit home, and a style that calls to mind Jason Mraz. Both songs are custom-made for an encore and audience participation.
Eicher’s iconic, intimate voice resurfaces on the stirring and cinematic People, a truly beautiful song which sends chills with every listen. His eye for detail elevates the mundane into a reassuring, life-affirming message.

The funky sound returns with the killer Lately Lady featuring guest saxman Jerry DePizzo from O.A.R. and lush vocals from the always amazing Joy Ike. The next two tracks I’d Like to Get to Know You ( perfect for a hotel chain commercial) and The Last Love Song return to the poppy, happy sound, followed by two storysongs about two unusual characters Edgar Greene’s Time Machines and Aaron.

The orchestration on the next track, Oh My God, has a fitting celestial feel for this inner spiritual journey out of darkness and cold, and the final title track, is the summation of this journey – a homage to the past (“The Shape of Things” 2009, “Shifting” 2011) and a promise to the future:

“But now I know what I see and it’s what I’m here to do
Leave me Love and Hope, Let me see this through.
I was broken, now I’m free…
We weren’t made this way
To stumble forever in darkness and never escape
We’re the shape of things, shifting into place.”

“Into Place” is a musical journey worth taking, the culmination of a gifted songwriter, whose voice captivates and moves, and a quartet of consummate musicians who bring it to life.

-Maree Gallagher

 JD Eicher and the Goodnights who recently signed with Rock Ridge Music , will celebrate the label’s release of their new album, Into Place, on Saturday, September 14 – 9pm at the Hard Rock Café, Pittsburgh. Joy Ike with band will open the show. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 day of show and can be purchased at the band’s website or at showclix.

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