Maddy Coley:Dark and Sweet
Barnstormers- Graveyard Town
Upon
the release of their sophomore album, Barnstormers, a Decatur Alabama
based band, is nervous. But they really need not be. The live show I
saw at Eclipse was a great introduction to their sound. It was a small
show with its share of technical difficulties, but they put on a damn
charismatic performance.
The first track, “A Warm Welcome”, calls
to mind a mildly demented circus or the music Tom Waits has milling
around in his head all day. It’s wonderfully simple with more layers
that become evident with more plays. This trend continues through the
album. As does the rain. It is featured in three songs but connects the
adjoining tunes as well. On paper, that sounds like a lot of rain.
However it is used well and adds an ambiance when enveloped in
listening. Ronnie Moore, guitarist and songwriter, has a voice that
reminds me of Will Kimbrough, another Alabama musician. But it also has
a nice deepness to it, that when he’s really into the song caused
chills. “Magdalena” and “Misery” are the two tracks that I think
displayed his vocals well. Not to mention his songwriting. It’s clever
without appearing pretentious and sweetly melancholy as well. Best
illustrated in “The Gift,” a tune seemingly about a lost love who won’t
simply let go without dragging the protagonist along for a bit.
“Another boy crosses the room as he offers a smile/ But he doesn’t know
you the way that I do/ He doesn’t know your thousand yard stare/ And
what it can do.” There is a point in the middle of the album that feels
incomplete or causes a lull but once you reach the next song you
realize that there was some intention behind it all. Chris Wilson,
cellist and songwriter, brings his musical talents to the table as well
as a voice with a voice that is interestingly green. There are at least
30 more aspects I could go on about, or I could just insist that you
seek out this album.
From what I gather, they get quite a few
vampire and True Blood references. At first listen, that makes more
than enough sense. But to pinhole them as just that doesn’t give them
nearly enough credit. Yeah, most of the songs sound like they’re
plucked from New Orleans. And yeah, there’s a swagger to some songs
that evoke sexiness. But there is so much more to it and I cannot wait
to hear more from this band that calls Alabama home.
Stand out tracks: Solace, The Gift, and Tin Roof.
AND THE SECOND... Ang Henson
Upon downloading Graveyard Town, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had
yet to make it to a Barnstormers performance, but the venues must tell
of their talent (as these are no "hole in the wall" dives they play!).
I
anxiously awaited the first track, and as "A Warm Welcome" began to
play, I felt as if I had been transported to some little shack in the
bayou! The beautifully eerie score enveloped my mind and left me
wanting more.
By the time "Tin Roof" played, I was trapped in a
dark seduction....I wanted to email Ronnie and ask if this was a score
for the next big Anne Rice movie! This beautiful darkness left me
mesmerized (and although there are no vampires around, I sooo felt like
I had been glamored!).
While I will admit that there are one or
2 tracks that left me "hanging" (they didn't "WOW" me the way most did,
but I am a finicky person), overall Graveyard Town is definitely
entrancing! It just felt like Radiohead met up with Tim Burton and a
band of blues musicians from New Orleans, and fathered an excellent
score for the next blockbuster vampire movie! I felt honored to hear it
before its official release.
Along with the album, make sure you check out their site,
www.doomcountry.com! That in itself is another treat you're sure to enjoy!
AND, for your listening pleasure, Barnstormers is playing Saturday, November 28th, along with
Gypsee Yo at Java Jaay on 6th Street. It's the
Official Release Party!