Key Tracks: “For Revolution,” “Monday Morning,” “Captains Pt. 3”

Ohio University student Charlie Lee Petrey, recording as Charles Lee, has assembled a team of musically inclined individuals to create his debut album, From Here On Out. From acoustic guitars and ukuleles to cellos and organs, there’s not a chord missing on this indie-folk album.

From Here On Out came to me via the hands of Dani Purcell, whose vocals can be heard on the album. The CD had been burnt on your average Memorex disc with black marker text labeling the album. A list of the songs was handwritten on a Charlie Brown coloring book page. Although this presentation was unorthodox, I quickly discovered that the sounds this Memorex disc held far outshone the slapdash Charlie Brown accompaniment.

The album takes off with the song “For Revolution,” which begins with sharp cello strides and heavy guitar riffing that sound like a train roaring down the track. “For Revolution” is a perfect title for a song that has a rugged feel, and this feeling is expressed eloquently in the lyric “how many times can I describe the pride of my brethren?”

Capturing the true essence of the first day of the work week, the song “Monday Morning” reveals a dismal organ behind a refreshing guitar strum, accompanied by heartfelt vocals from both Charles and Dani. An organ jam session gives this song a distinctive sound.

Starting off the “Captains” trilogy is “Captains Pt. 1.” Although the lyrics claim “we don’t know what we’re running to,” with an upbeat ukulele thrum and pirate-esque anthem vocals, it’s evident this song is running in the right direction.

“Captains Pt. 2” slows the trio down for a moment of heavy cello and soulful croons before picking back up with hard acoustic guitar riffing. The song is riddled with pirate terms, declaring “we are captains of this ship that we call home.”

Before ending the “Captains” triad, the song “Blue Bird” interposes. A flowing cello introduces Charles’ soulful lull, and a tambourine keeps a steady beat as Dani’s soprano vocals soar through the song.

Coming to the end of the trinity, “Captains Pt. 3” kicks off hard and heavy with fast-pace acoustic noodling alongside Lee's signature acoustic strum. Lee’s hefty vocals embody a sense of power, ending the Captains trilogy on an ardent note.

Although the vocals are a tad hushed and the quality of recording is obscure, From Here On Out really sets the tone for what Charles Lee has to offer. As Charles states in his song “Blue Bird,” “we are here now,” and from the sounds of his album, it’s clear he’s here to stay.