Michael Reich: Press

One of the most talented artists I’ve had the honor and pleasure to work with in my production career. Great songs, great vocals and a great attitude!
Mark S. Berry/Producer/CEO-Attack Group of Companies (IME, DAVID BOWIE, YES, DURAN DURAN, BILLY IDOL)

MICHAEL REICH – WRITING ON THE WALL (Attack Music) Somerset County-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Michael Reich has enjoyed increasing success on his progression of albums, as his music reaches a wider audience and sphere of music industry ears. On his latest album, Writing On The Wall, Reich hooks up with veteran Canadian producer Mark S. Berry (David Bowie, Duran Duran, Billy Idol), revisits and updates a number of songs from his catalog. His collaboration with Berry streamlines Reich's creations and gets to their basic essence, while fleshing out the arrangements and giving them depth and color. Berry gives more fullness and rocking muscle to Reich's recording industry commentary "Turning On A Dime" and his information age ode "Wireless." Likewise, the contemplative "Live For Today" and "Dare I Complain" benefit from a more robust Americana sound, and keyboards subtly bolster the surf-edged "Century Man." Berry's production also emphasizes Reich's tenderness and warmth on the ballad "Before I Let It Go," and brightens the happy-go-lucky flavor of "Where True Lovers Hide." Reich introduces two new songs on the album, the punchy "Living Day to Day," about coping with modern-day living; and the blues-rooted essay on media doublespeak, "Spin." The album finishes with Reich's uplifting update of Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold." Recorded at Zolis Audio in Toronto, Writing On The Wall sounds clean and full. Berry's production compliments and supports Reich's deep baritone voice, keeping it clear, front and center in the mix. While Berry fleshes out the arrangements, he never overwhelms the sound with too many studio bells and whistles, enabling the strength of Reich’s melodies and lyrical edge to shine through. Writing On The Wall reflects on where Michael Reich has been musically, but also shows his progress and growth as he hones and refines his sound. The results again reaffirm Reich as one of this state’s brightest songsmiths; an artist with something to say and the tools to say it with clarity and impact. (Can be obtained by visiting Michael Reich’s website, www.michael-reich.com.)

If the bold vocal flurry and flash that was Americana's Johnny Horton tripped over the deeply cynical and articulate Bob Dylan, we could have run into Michael Reich decades ago. As it is, he's here now.

Actually he has been around for some time and "Writing on the Wall" represents a sort of best of compilation. From a talent like Reich, that alone is worth picking up this CD. If you believe all is not "quite right" with the world and you have your own doubts as to how wonderful things "really are", Reich will pleasantly (yet with a truly wonderful, and clear full voice) reaffirm those doubts.

The bulk of "Writing" consists of ten (almost-pop) original songs that are actually thoughtful, listen-able, and pretty damn catchy. Despite the straight-forward serious nature of many of the tunes, there isn't a true sleeper or in-your-face lecture in the bunch. Perhaps the oddest tune included is the tribute (Neil Young's "Heart of Gold") which sounds a bit more down than the rest of the songs, even while its message can be interpreted as a bit more up.

It's hard to find a serious flaw in the final product that is "Writing on the Wall". If you take the fully instrumented singer-songwriter genre seriously, Michael Reich has hit every mark set by his contemporaries. This is a great CD for potential fans, and not a bad CD for anybody.

A fine singer/songwriter with passion and a great sounding record!
Kyle Smith WYEP Pittsburgh, PA

Singer/Songwriter Michael Reich is all business on paper, but a rabid retro rock star seeking reemergence Great!

One of this state's premier Singer/Songwriters!
Jim Price/Q94 Radio Altoona, PA

Fantastic garage sounding folk/rock. Michael’s vocals are certainly unique and at times I can imagine him simply owning the crowd at the local bar!

A consummate & compelling Singer/Songwriter!