Tuesday, May 21, 2013
By KRISTIN DiCARA-McCLELLAN
Some bands wear their hearts on their collective sleeve. They have much to say, and say it with guts and glory. It may seem as if their delivery is effortless, only because they are so close to the source that inspired them and they do not waver on their path to create from that inspiration.
HOW IT RATES
DARK HOLLOW BOTTLING COMPANY -- "AMERICAN GHOSTS"
****
Based on a four-star scale
Dark Hollow Bottling Company is a band that exemplifies this music, merging rootsy folk, bluegrass and Americana.
The band's new CD, "American Ghosts," seems to have been extracted from deep inside the souls of the members.
With Greg Klein's Dylanesque voice dominating throughout, a realness of his character is explicit and believable.
One standout track is "Marrow." The title kind of says it all. What's deeper inside you than the marrow in your body? So what better to symbolize the roots of your deepest feelings of comfort of who you are?
The lyrics of the chorus ring out: "In the marrow of my bones/ Is the place I call my home/ If I wander off alone/ Would you point me my way home?"
The song is a slower groove, with simple acoustic guitar strumming. But the band incorporates some lovely string arrangements with bowed upright bass, cello and violin, which really bring the song into a category of its own.
"Sold" has a swingy 3/4 time, and is relatable to anyone.
Klein seems to be commenting on the absurdity of yard sales and how it's like being a voyeur into someone's mind and closet: "How much for a pound of my blood/ A pound of my flesh/ What you paying for love/ For the auction is about to begin, and everything must go."
All in all, this CD reaches into the listener's consciousness with refreshing authenticity and simplicity.
The band members are spot-on with their harmonies, and hit the mark every time with their catchy choruses.
The rolling, knee-slapping country feel of so many songs makes the CD a great listen for a summer back-porch party with good friends, good food and, most especially, great music.
Kristin DiCara-McClellan is a local freelance writer. She can be reached at:
kjoydmac@yahoo.com
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