The Soundabout is the project of Los Angeles based songwriter Daniel Cleland.  This is pop music with a direct link to greats of the past such as The Beatles, and The Beach Boys, with an effort to keep up with the progressiveness of modern pop/rock bands such as The Shins and My Morning Jacket. Daniel writes songs that are at once accessible, with catchy but original melodies, and rhythms that keep you tapping along.  His lyrics are personal, but universal, dealing with life’s joys and uncomfortable times with candor, and often with humor.

   Formed in 2001 with brother/guitarist Andy Cleland and brother in law/drummer Greg Paxton, The Soundabout recorded a ten song demo in 2002 featuring tracks from all three members. The trio soon added bassist Dave Beery, began playing live shows, and went back to the studio to start work on what would be their debut album. During the recording process guitarist Daryl Boggs was added to the lineup, and Andy Cleland parted to focus on his own songwriting, which left Daniel with the biggest chunk of songwriting duties. The Soundabout was released in 2004, featuring nine original tunes from Daniel, and one from Greg. The albums tracks were a variety of classic pop styling, including the rollicking opener, “Low,” the Weezer-like stomp of “Am What I Am” and the sixties chime of “Stuck With Me.”

   After some more local live shows in support of the release, the band decided to take a break in 2005. With the move of guitarist Daryl Boggs out of state, and babies on the way for the families of Dave Beery and Greg Paxton, the break was upgraded to indefinite. This allowed Daniel to keep writing and build up a collection suitable for the next release. In 2006, Daniel and Greg decided it was time to go back to the studio, resulting in the 2007 full length album, Chasing Ghosts.

    With The Soundabout’s second release, the sound is intact, but the arrangements have been flushed out with more care, and the lyrics have the heartfelt tone of introspection.  This ten song collection demonstrates a maturity in the songwriting process, and is a much more fluid album. From the roots rock of opener “The Things You Come To Love,” the reverb-drenched nostalgia of “Follow Me,” to the oooh-oooh sing-along chorus of “Underground,” this album is sure to delight the pure pop enthusiast. This is music that wants you to sing along. The Soundabout hopes you sing along as well.