Local sound to debut on new CD

By KATE SCHOTT (the amusement, Thursday, February 19, 1998)

I wouldn't consider myself an expert when it come to music, and I'm definitely not your typical "band groupie," but this I do know: good music when I hear it.

Miami University senior Andy Kuncl demonstrates just this in his debut album too quickly, which was released Wednesday at local music stores.

Kuncl, a Geology major from Chapel Hill, NC, calls himself "the funky folk singer-songwriter" who seeks the attention of his audience by suing his guitar as a percussive instrument, as well as a melodic one.

In too quickly, an 11-track album recorded live in the studio on Dec. 30 and 31 of 1997, Kuncl reflects upon many of his past experiences and questions his plans for the future.

In "She Don't Want It," Kuncl touches upon homosexual issues as he sings, "It seems that every time I fall in love / nowadays, I find out that the woman / is in love with another woman."

Kuncl's inspiration to write the song comes directly form personal experience and he stated that he has had many men respond to the song, as they have had similar experiences. In "She Don't Want It," Kuncl's intensity and quickness on the guitar demonstrates the true talent of this self-taught musician.

In another song titled "I Don't Know," Kuncl searches for the answers about his future as he sets a tone of depth and contemplation. He sings,"I'm gonna head for what I love / What the future holds / I don't know." For Kuncl, his discovery is obvious; his passion for music will guide him to pursue a career as a singer -songwriter.

Kuncl's title-track and first original song "too quickly," was created in response to the sudden death of his grandmother, Jane Mills, to whom the album is dedicated.

Kuncl's mood changes from reflective to energetic when he sings, "This happened all too quickly / It's taking some time to soak in / I try to fight it every day / But I just end up giving in".

The album's last track, "More Time," was written in the beginning of the school year after Kuncl spent the summer in Burlington, VT, where he worked as a roadie for a band. His experience motivated him to open up his own business in North Carolina, called "missing string music," the label for his debut album.

Other tracks definitely worth listening to include "Alright," "Trapped" and "How Grateful I Am/'The Mom Song," which also deal with issues in Kuncl's life.

Kuncl plans to explore other issues, such as the environment and politics, when he plays on April 18 for Oxford's Earth Day celebration at Martin Luther King park,, and also for "Rock the Choice," a pro-choice movement held the same day.

In his debut album, Kuncl's successful transitions from one level of intensity to the next are evident. His guitar, his simple yet clever lyrics, and his talent to reach the audience on a personal level with his strong but passionate voice, shape him into that self-described, "funky folk singer-songwriter".

 

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