Pharis & Jason Romero - Long Gone Out West Blues

Pharis & Jason Romero - Long Gone Out West Blues
Independent


If you're looking for some authentic country banjo bluegrass, this act out of British Columbia may just be your saving grace. The thirteen tracks on this album include songs of heartfelt and honest introspection of life's troubles, lightly plucked instrumentals and even some of the rambunctious clamourings of musical fervor that many look for in banjo music.

The album lays on the sentimental side for the most part, especially when Pharis is singing. At times her voice carries softly over the acoustic guitar she plays, but at other times it soars with the emotional intensity that this music is born out of. Jason's vocals are equally impressive with his relaxed and natural drawl that will draw you into the heart of stories he sings. Combined, their harmony is sweet to the ears and ever so appreciatively invigorating.

Most of the songs have a classic sound, but do not tread too close to anything specifically familiar. For those in need of some genuine comfort music for the soul, this group will get the job done in no time.

 

Deer Tick - Divine Providence

Deer Tick - Divine Providence
Partisan Records




Those already familiar with Deer Tick should know more or less what to expect from the folksy/alt-country collaboration, and Divine Providence should continue to please old fans while also drawing in new listeners.

John McCauley III's crooning raspy voice lures you in whether it's on the more rollicking tracks like "Lets All Go To the Bar" and "Something to Brag About" or when the band gets more subdued on tracks like "Chevy Express" and "Now It's Your Turn". I will say that on the whole, Divine Providence does have a more rock & roll feel than past efforts, but it works well and the band's signature sound is still the base foundation here.

If you like Delta Spirit or The Cave Singers hop aboard the Deer Tick train; there's plenty of room.

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