THE WASHINGTON POST
"Wes Tucker and the Skillets sound like a country band in name only. On Thursday night at Iota, the Arlington quartet showcased solid songwriting and tight instrumentation in musical styles ranging from funk to groove-based R&B to soulful jam-based ballads.
Tucker, who played acoustic guitar as he sang, was a strong stage presence, firmly in command of the material, most of which came from the band's new album, "Beauty in the Broken." His muscular vocals easily fit the ever-changing tempos of the tunes while maintaining the heartfelt intent of the image-laden lyrics.
The show shifted gears when lead guitarist Bryan Washam, whose funk riffs and solos entirely suited the material, and bassist Arch Alcantara, who provided a solid bottom with drummer Dave Rutkowski, traded instruments. Alcantara's bottleneck-slide style of playing was fiery and rock-based, raising the energy of the room even higher.
As skillful as the Skillets' playing was, the most impressive aspect was the songwriting. Tucker's tunes are sturdy without being rigid, soulful without being cloying, and he expresses them like he believes the words."
-- Buzz McClain 4/24/06
ON TAP MAGAZINE
"From fast-train attacks like “Casting Stones†to funked-up near-raps like “Wasted Worry,†Wes Tucker and his veteran band show what can be done with a setup that’s technically country rock in origin. All the songs are constructed without irony, and most of the narrated thoughts and experiences come from the painful side of the street; Tucker’s smooth vocals range from wistful to angry over multiple, skillfully played guitars." -- Joel Sparks
LEFT OFF THE DIAL
"From funk inspired foot-stompers to soulful ballads, Tuckers songwriting style remains strong. He is certainly a talented musician and one that will appeal to the masses. Its obvious that Tucker is a musician that we will be hearing more from over the years." -- Chelsea Cochran
EARVOLUTION .COM
“Tucker excels in expressing the feelings associated with finding what your heart truly desires and the burdens such knowledge can bring … Discerning listeners with appreciative ears will admire and relish the nuances of Tucker's thoughtful songwriting and the Skillets' skillful musicianship.†-- David Schultz
INDIE-MUSIC .COM
"Fine rootsy rock minus the twang, and with a little old school funk thrown in just for grins." -- Jamie Anderson
MUSIC MONTHLY MAGAZINE
"Wes Tucker definitely continues to impress on Beauty in the Broken. By combining the solid songwriting skills he displayed on his debut with the support of his new group of supporting musicians, Tucker has succeeded in making a good thing even better." -- Greg Yost
“outstanding songwriting ability…[Tradition] is a vibrant work of an original artist.†-- Greg Yost
COFFEE HOUSE TOUR .COM
“…[Tradition] was a downright beautiful experience.†-- Annette Warner
INDIE MUSIC SITE .COM
“I was quickly taken by the brilliant and polished songwriting. I hit the second track, Spoken Word and knew this was going to be one of those CDs I keep going back to… This is a stellar CD. Well written. Well performed. Well recorded†-- Chris Lonsberry
HYBRID MAGAZINE
“Between Jackopierce and Jack Johnson. Nice Harmonies, smooth guitar, excellent songs. Just plain smooth.†(Tradition) "Bluesy college groove rock built on solid songwriting and good guitar playing. This rocks... even the slower stuff." (Beauty in The Broken)
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