In today’s musical climate it’s hard for any band to claim to being “original.” It seems each time a band comes out with the newest trend, 10 more come out of the woodwork; each claiming to be the originator of the newest “musical craze.”
Fear not, avid music enthusiast, as “The Lost Colony” of Roanoke, V.A. has produced one of the most original, enthralling, and captivating bands in recent memory.
Red Clay River, a five-some, employ the use of not only guitars, bass’, and drums, but also a fiddle, banjo, mandolin, viola and even an upright bass to craft a truly unique and intense record.
The self-titled LP’s opening track, “Ain’t No Blues,” shows the band using the upright bass to compliment guitarist Aaron Parker’s jangly chords. The song is a nod to the bands southern roots, as lead singer Daniel Bivins raspy, whiskey-soaked voice carries over the subdued gang-vocals, commanding the listener to “out dance the devil with me.”
On “Fall Like The Devil,” Bivins showcases his penchant for penning simplistic, captivating stories through song. He details an afternoon walking the river, laying near the “old bridge,” and professing his disbelief in religion. The song is akin to some of Johnny Cash’s slower songs; simple chords, drum patterns and a raspy voice.
“Tell Me” is a bouncy, righteous down-home southern jam. Guitars, drums, violin, upright bass, and banjo all make appearances, contributing to the greater good of the song. Bivens’ voice rattles over the instrumentals before giving way to a jam session mid-song, and then promptly resumes, and then ends abruptly.
On “Letters To The Sky,” the band uses group vocals, with violinist Camellia Delk’s feminine voice intertwining with Bevin’s, creating arguably the most melodic piece on the entire LP. The band harkens for a “big, open sky and a barrel of gin” while expressing that they are “not lonely, just desperate for anything.” The track is haunting and empty. Bivins does an incredible job of excommunicating any hint of joy from his delivery, offering only sadness and depression.
The LP’s closing track, “Build A Fire” is a romping, energetic tune with BIG drums intertwined with delicate violin notes and simplistic guitar plucking. Bivens proclaims that “we build a fire on our own,” translating to a positive message about rising above and beyond, overcoming objections and deterrents to ultimately become successful.
Red Clay River successfully melds indie-rock, southern-rock, and bluegrass to craft an exciting and unique LP. From the beginning, the listener is well aware that what they hear is unlike anything they have heard thus far.