This North Carolina duo really makes you feel like they came from a bygone era. They have a harmony driven folk meets Americana style that’s really timeless in a lot of ways. This is great stuff and classic stuff.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
You Can Leave
I love the intricate acoustic guitar that opens this. The song has a folk music vibe that’s reminiscent of the classic folk groups of the 1960s and 70s.
Waiting There is a bit more of a rocking energy here, but this is still set in that same folk style.
So I Leave It to You A much mellower song, this somehow seems to have a real magic and charm to it. I like this better than the two openers, and I liked those a lot.
Sound of the Truth This one has a lot of country music in the mix. It’s another strong one.
Sadie A much mellower folk number, this is classy. It has some hints of country, but it’s not nearly as blatant as the last tune.
It's Nothing New Even more stripped back and sedate, there is a real down home feeling to this one in a lot of ways.
Ain't No Change The general concept isn’t changed, but this intricate and powerful piece has some hints of bluegrass, too. It’s also one of the highlights. There is some seriously inspired, nearly classical, guitar playing on this.
Westside There’s almost an acoustic blues vibe to this number. I like it a lot. In fact, it might be my favorite song here.
Joanie No real surprises are delivered here. This is good stuff, though. I just don’t consider it a real standout.
Time to Go Again, this one is just sort of more of the same. It’s got some strong vocal hooks, though.
