With a fresh new band line-up and an impressive album under their belt (Fall of 2003’s An Empty House Welcomes You), this 4-piece collective make a welcome addition to the music scene. Leaving the “alt-country” label behind for the “bourbon-tinged Northwest rock” sound, Exit 51 is a solid band that has finally seemed to find their niche.

Lead by the I-was-born-to-be-a-rockstar vocals of Johnny Liszak, the band seems to be on a serious and directed career path both musically and professionally. The revamped lineup includes Johnny on vocals and guitar, Joel Putzier on bass, Josh Mcleod on guitar and back-up vocals and Joe Hensley on drums. Think of the Americana roots of Ryan Adams meets the retro sound of The Strokes finished with the effervescent coolness of Bono and you might capture the feel of Exit 51.

This year promises to be an exciting year for Exit 51 as Liszak continues his prolific songwriting and the band heads back into the studio to record their new EP, War Torn Love Cinema with a target release date set for June. The group is also gearing up for a series of small tours, beginning in May of this year. Exit 51 fans will find the band at a variety of clubs in the west and northwest.

-Molly King, The Boise Weekly (04/14/04)