The Dead
South – The Ocean Went Mad And We Were To Blame (Independent)
A relatively new group – the current line-up have
only been together since September 2012 – The Dead South sound like they’ve
been playing together for years. The Saskatchewan four-piece play a resolute
form of stringband music, which harks back to the banjo propelled mountain
music of the Appalachians, but comes with hard modern edge. Indeed, put them on
a bill with Old Crow Medicine Show or the Mumfords and they wouldn’t sound out
of place (or time).
“The Ocean Went Mad And We Were To Blame” is their
debut release, a five-track EP that plays to all their strengths. Lead
vocalist, Nate Hilts, sings with a voice hewn straight from the rock face and
guitars, banjo and mandolin are feverously picked as if each song might be
their last. The sound is underpinned by Danny Kenyon’s melancholy cello, adding
both an ominous depth and an unforeseen experimental aspect to their sound.
The EP begins strongly with “Banjo Odyssey”, its
innocent, old timey title disguising a song of sexual shenanigans involving
cousin-lovin’ and plenty of intimidation and menace. It makes a compelling
opening statement, and is followed by the equally effective “Wishing Well”,
where the combination of cello and Colton Crawford’s looped banjo runs carry
the dark narrative. Final cut “Honey You” is
positively pop by comparison, and shows an altogether lighter side to a group
who deserve all the success that comes their way. I’d love to see them in the
UK…
Phil S.
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