Review/Americana UK
7 out of 10
Brandy Zdan and Dave Quanbury though currently based in Austin, TX made this record (their third) in Los Angeles, CA but there is no way in telling this. Since their songs travel the country up and down just like they do themselves touring without an affinity to any one area as you have the brooding stop you in your tracks ‘The Darkness’ paired with the terrific rocker ‘Ham Radio Blues’ (that in containing a funky rhythm adds a much need to the record) and Zdan’s aching, pure as water from a mountain spring toned lead sang ‘When I’m Gone’. As they create a carefully fashioned country, rock based sound steeped in compelling attributes.
While the music can become a little one-dimensional as they focus a little too heavily on feelings of heartbreak they do have the sense to introduce enough variations to offset this. Like when on ‘What Do You Know About Love? Where there are some clever jazz leanings as the two voices are shrouded by accordion and sax. One of the strongest songs and noteworthy pieces has to be the Quanbury led ‘Mahogany Veneer’ as he speaks of falling in love with Memphis and down on Union Street where they were taking rock’n’roll apart and the sun setting on the Delta and the whistle of the train. Rarely have I ever come across a song so rich in Cinematic imagery. Of the remainder, the vintage guitar sounds on ‘The Master’ are of a magical quality while ‘Dream Of Letting Go’ has something of a Neil Young ambiance to it. As for ‘Golden Eagle’ that appears twice; both in full as a radio edit version it finds Zdan dig deep, vocally. To near match the fine accompanying electric guitar sounds that lace the track from start to finish. Of a lighter note Quanbury is in wistful mood on the clever romantic drama ‘Poor & Hungry’ —good it is too. Additional to their own, multi-instrumental work the recording benefits from the accomplished playing of Stephen Hodges, Jeff Turmes, Andrew Lynch and John Whynot (he also produced the record).
