Emerging with something of a classic driving rock ballad vibe, Flame is a quickly addictive and familiar piece of music and writing, though with a notably poetic back-bone that lays out a series of detailed images and scenes that perfectly suit the emotion and energy of the music.
Americana
We are talking impassioned vocals. We are talking some pretty meaty riffing on guitar. All wrapped up in some smart production, great songwriting and a healthy little shot of gently snarling punky attitude. But it’s got mood and heart, and tunes and thoughtful lyrics, too.
The classic country and folk-rock energy suits the song’s concept beautifully – that organic purity and the raw and real nature of the performance is gorgeously natural, authentic, and incredibly impressive. An excellent song, close to impossible to dislike.
Tend The Fire is a slow-building slice of Americana that adds more and more elements as it progresses. Don’t Keep Me Waiting is a cover originally recorded by McKendree Spring in 1972.
Leo Harmonay writes and performs because it’s simply a part of who he is – you can hear this, and you can feel it, throughout Naked Rivers and indeed throughout all of his music to date. Always an artist worthy of a listener’s trust.
The energy of the song rises up slowly but in a rhythmically entrancing manner, seeming to wash over you like a wave, the bigger moments crashing into action before the sound drags back out to sea – leaving you with only that whisper of an idea.
“We are all family men, as in family is our biggest priority. We all have people that stand in this world alongside us, love us, and depend on us.”
Simple Life is beautifully set-up, bringing together a blues-rock backdrop with Kirby’s own expressive and lightly raspy vocals, mixing in a touch of almost doo-wop style backing vocals – the finish is organic yet crisp and clean enough to really let you blast it at volume to immersive results.
This is something like Americana with a rock edge, a layer of synths, superb story-telling, and a near-gospel style performance – not to mention a hearty hit of big-band, piano-led country swing to see things out
They write from a place of depth, and they craft their songs based on those intentions & feelings – they don’t sit down & say ‘let’s write a country song, let’s write something blues-rock’, the concept & the moment comes first, which gives them purpose, and a quickly unique vibe that runs throughout these four songs.
The sweet orchestration of the track; the masterful blending of strings and acoustic guitars is reminiscent of singer-songwriters like Boo Hewerdine, erstwhile of The Bible. The percussion elements are a very welcome addition, too – adding a little drive to proceedings – but the major feeling here is one of reflection and contemplation. Dive in and have a soak.
Whereas some works can be hard to review, this wonderful collection wears its influences on its sleeve and is all the better for it. Unashamedly complex arrangements with no flab, terrific performances all round… what’s not to love?