Pierce
Edens – S/T (Independent)
Pierce Edens’ musical education was an odd one. The
Asheville, North Carolina native grew up listening almost exclusively to the
folk and mountain music that dominated his local music scene – until, in his
teenage years, he discovered punk and grunge. His own musical expression
reflects those contradicting influences, and merges them in a way that sounds
wholly natural. Of course, it’s not unknown for country-raised ex-punks to
return their roots, and many of the original alt. country outfits, such as
Uncle Tupelo, right through to later groups like Jim & Jennie and The
Pinetops, were all comprised of musicians who had first cut their teeth in
grunge and alternative bands.
Edens’ take on his chosen genre is still recognizably
folk-based, but he brings a remarkable energy and urgency to his songs, which
is nigh on impossible not to be swept up and away by. On stage he bangs on
boxes, breaks strings and whelps and howls his way through his songs, and it’s
to his credit that he’s managed to transfer so much of that vibrant intensity
into a studio setting. Indeed, his latest self-titled collection almost bounces
along.
On the opening track “Montana”, he sets out his
stall. His blue-collar delivery and emphasis on telling it like it is, brings
to mind Springsteen and relative newcomers like Gaslight Anthem, though he’s
distinctly rootsier than both. Second track “Lonely”
indicates a Tom Waits influence, circa “Swordfishtrombone” and “Raindogs”,
though again, Edens stamps his own idiosyncratic take on the style, and on “Darlin” the mood is brilliantly interrupted by
assorted strings, and some serious mountain-folk balladeering. It’s an
outstanding track, as is the concluding “Mighty Mighty”,
where Edens wails a chain gang blues, accompanied by juddering percussion and
distorted guitar.
Phil S.
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