The
Cumberland Brothers – Gamey EP (independent)
The Cumberland Brothers aren’t actually related, but
they do a damn fine impression of siblings on their eight-track “Gamey” EP. The
pair, Archie Pateman (The Breakmen) and Jack Roland (The Wave) specialize in
harmony vocals and an old school country sound, which will surely remind older
listeners of the Louvins and the Delmores, though fans of newer, more
contemporary outfits like the Old Crow Medicine Show, Felice Brothers, The Low
Anthem and Jim & Jennie & The Pinetops will find plenty to like; not
least their enthusiasm and natural inbuilt energy, which fizzes through the
songs, and supplies plenty of rootsy thrills.
Currently independent, in the truest sense of the
word, it can only be a matter of time before an established label makes them an
offer they can’t refuse and they turn up on a Bloodshot or a Loose. Perhaps
then we’ll see them gracing UK stages, where I’m sure they’d go down a storm.
Here, they begin with a classic train song “The Golden Rocket” - which rattles
along in a most agreeable way, and “I Don't Want You
(But I Can't Let You Go)” shifts with equal gumption. Throughout their
voices are fantastic, whether singing lead or merging as one, and on “Johnny” they bring to mind the Grateful Dead’s country
rock period, though the Dead never had vocalists as adept as this pair. All
eight tracks are original compositions, and they repeatedly nail the sound and
style they so obviously love. Impressive and enjoyable, from start to finish.
Phil S.
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