Here’s a small collection of some of the reviews that Second Story garnered over the years.
Many of the sites no longer exist – the internet was still in relative infancy, and lots has changed – but we were happy to be well-reviewed on now-defunct sites like Listen.com and MP3.com.
Progressive rock’s identifying characteristics include more complex song structures, advanced harmonies, labyrinthine instrumental solos, and an emphasis on sonic exploration and expansion. From prog’s British beginnings (Yes, King Crimson) and its evolution through the decades (ELP, Rush, Saga, Genesis, The Flower Kings, Spock’s Beard, The Watch, etc.), all these stylistic markers have held fairly firm, along with one additional trademark – the dearth of women. Prog bands with female musicians were unusual; those with female front-persons were exceptionally rare, with Renaissance perhaps being the best-known.
This is why Philadelphia’s Second Story, fronted by vocalist / flutist Danielle Capoferri, is such a, er, novel experience. Active from 1996-2004, Second Story recorded only two albums. Their 1998 impressive, eponymous debut featured the gorgeous swirling vocals of “Don’t Know” and the powerful “Angry Men,” but their 2001 follow-up, Thin Twisting Line, remained only an ephemeral promise – until the band remixed it in 2019, finally releasing it in a 2-disc package that includes a remastered copy of the debut disc, with a bonus track cover of Queensryche’s “One and Only.”
There is no “soph jinx” evident anywhere. Capoferri is in fine form, alternately echoing the stylings of Grace Slick and Sarah McLachlan while the band exercises all its prog muscles, always in service of the songs. There is no showboating or grandstanding, even in the stop-on-a-dime precision of songs like “Abducted” and “Clay.” “Autumn” soars on Capoferri’s vocal and flute. “Dancing on the Hill” is propelled by the fiery interplay of Mark Gollihur’s driving bass figures, Tom Bardsley’s tight drumming and Scott Lewis’ searing leads. “Light and Silence” is a Renaissance-worthy pastorale of Capoferri’s silvery singing, John Lewis’ rippling piano, and the band’s warm backup harmonies.
Every track is a gem! Thin Twisting Line is well worth the two-decade wait, and begs for a Second Story sequel!
Jay Dunner, review
The vocals on this CD deserve a special mentioning. Female lead singer Danielle Capoferri has a beautiful and strong voice that reminds of that of Joanne Hogg (Iona) – especially in the quieter and more reflective moments – and of Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gathering) in the darker moments. Also excellent is the use of harmony vocals of three other band members, which evoke parallels to Echolyn… All in all a strong CD, well recorded and well written. This should appeal to a wide audience.
©2000 Carsten Busch, Background Magazine
Progressive rock fans of bands with stunning female vocals in the Northeastern corner of the United States that have discovered the up and coming sounds of Second Story are a very lucky breed. The band’s self-titled and independently produced album is technically superb. Featuring twelve tracks that illustrate their collaborative breadth, it also demonstrates the members’ individual versatility.
©1999 Russell W Elliot, from Musical Discoveries
With tremendous lead vocals, wonderful vocal harmonies and excellent instrumental work, Second Story’s debut album is certain to attract many listeners and be selected as one of the finest recordings independently released by a new artist this year. A must listen!
For full text of the review, visit Russ Elliot’s Second Story Review
Second Story, known for its unique sound and make up… somehow seems to fuse all these components together to create an incredible sound… Working together to create their sound and lyrics, the CD is a symbol to years of (their) hard work and determination to get where they are today… With the amount of talent that makes up this band, their CDs can only get better and the trip can only be nicer. Listening to their CD it was easy to pick out what songs seemed radio friendly, but I felt, “why limit myself.” Each song is one to be listened to; each song tells a story and finds a means to its end.
©2000 Erin Capuano, from Lilith’s Child Website Magazine
While on the topic of good music and other acts, let me comment on a local Philly band Second Story… After the (November Project) World Café taping I went with two other NP fans to a little club called La Tazza to check them out. There had been parallels drawn between them, Grey Eye Glances and October Project, so I wanted to see what they were all about. Well despite horribly muddy acoustics in this downstairs venue I really enjoyed what I heard… I did purchase their self-titled CD, and can see some similarities to GEG in their studio sound. I actually would classify their style as somewhat of a throwback — you’ll hear lot of harmonies, synthesizer,and even a little bit of flute thrown in for good measure.
Alan, from N-POP! – the November Project e-news digest
The (Fairmount Civic Association Flag Day) Festival really got revved up in the afternoon when Second Story gave a wonderful outdoor concert for lucky attendees. This is the third year that the band has donated entertainment to the festival. Their beautifully blended voices and instruments filled the street and mesmerized listeners… Second Story’s compelling music kept everyone entertained until it was time to pack it up and call it a day.
Jackie DeLucia, Art Museum Area Home News
This CD should have been on the progsection but I thought all you AOR guys out there should read this as well. It’s a quite nice little piece of plastic I have in my hand…. nice performed progressive pop/aor with Danielle Capoferri behind the microphone. I have always thought prog music is nice with girls behind the mic. So check this up if you enjoy the softer part of prog when it meets AOR…sure a tasteful indie – CD that makes me wanna hear more in the future.
©1999 Pär Winberg, Midwestern Skies Homepage
Vocalist / flutist Danielle Capoferri fronts the five-member Second Story whose material is laden with Lilith-Fair leanings — misty lyrics in a moor of moody, minor-key melodies. The Pitman, NJ-based band capitalizes on Capoferri’s haunting vocals, recalling the stately art-rock of Renaissance, October Project, and Sarah McLachlan; Second Story’s live shows, however, have included such surprises as a note-perfect cover of Kansas’ “Carry On Wayward Son.” Visit the band’s web site for more info on biographies, upcoming appearances, and where to get this impressive debut CD ripe for pickup by a major label.”
©1998 Jay Dunner, from his print column, Disc-ussions