The Hushes
– Sunlight and Fire (Geetar Records)
Adelaide quartet The Hushes released their
much-admired debut album in early 2012, just a few weeks after forming, and
quickly followed it with a live collection and a five-track EP. Since then the
band (Cal Williams Jr.: guitar, vocals, Emily Davis: vocals, guitar, Kory
Horwood: double bass, vocals and Ben Timbers: banjo, vocals) have been a
constant on their local roots scene, growing their audience and earning
themselves an enviable reputation as consummate performers.
It’s understandable why they were so eager to hit the
studio so soon after coming together. Simply, they’re extremely comfortable
with the recording process and the shift from live performance to recording
booths and multi-takes they make seem unforced and natural. That’s no small
accomplishment for a group working within their genre, where so many
folk/roots/blues records sound dry and listless. The Hushes make the move seem
effortless and “Sunlight and Fire” leaps from the speakers, full of fire and
natural goodness.
Old blues, gospel, folk and mountain music all have
parts to play in The Hushes’ repertoire, and band leader Williams is an award
winning bluesman with a CV that includes playing with international names such
as Ben Kweller, C.W. Stoneking, Billy Bragg and Martin Simpson. He brings all
his experience to bear on “Sunlight and Fire” as he leads his bandmates through
a collection of original material, traditional songs and well-chosen covers.
Beginning with the Blind Willie Johnson standard “John the Revelator”, with Davis taking the lead, the
group retain much of the fiery menace that permeates the original. Their
re-invention of “Black Betty” is a joy to behold, and relates back to Lead
Belly’s early renditions rather than the more famous Ram Jam version, and their
adaptation of Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” is
wonderfully reflective and harmonious. Of their own songs, “Mean Old Sugar Mama Blues” and “Pale Blue Dress” more than hold their own – the former
could have been written 80 years ago, and the latter brings a contemporary feel
to the proceedings.
Phil S.
The Hushes
– Black Betty (Live)
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