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.
Folk Rock
Mutlu is a superb songwriter, and thanks to the organic and creatively refreshing nature of the soundscapes and set-ups that feature throughout Good Trouble, this skill is permitted the true freedom and strength it deserves; making for a playlist of original songs that connect and uplift and engage their audience in a mighty way.
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.
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.
Maxime fuses an organic folk sound with a mildly theatrical performance style for this EP, paying tribute to effective and raw musicality as much as his family background in theatre.
In an age of pitch correction and quantised instruments, here is a journey into sound that allows you to hear every pluck, every strum and every word with a vibrancy and clarity that speaks volumes about the live experience and about an exceptionally well-rehearsed band that have been honing their craft and chemistry together for the best part of twenty years.
The Lexington Stretch is an absolute treat for the ears and the soul, soothing the energy in the room with gritty yet smooth blues melodies, seductive harmonies, and songwriting that digs right into the core of the human experience in a poetic and completely engaging way.
Beginning with an intriguing hit of poetry, followed shortly afterwards by a mildly haunting, slightly Gypsy-jazz like rhythm and soundscape, the song emerges with a decidedly traditional folk aura.
Sunday Morning kicks up with a simple Americana set-up, organic and fairly minimalist to begin with, then you get the leading voice for the verse – the first moment at which the personality and unique appeal of the band starts to stand out.
Contrast is utilized well throughout this song, there are indeed instances of peacefulness and folk purity, but these are more often than not followed up by those which strike as a little darker.
Jenkins’ writing style takes you through the many experiences of life – the successes, the regrets, the little things that light up an average day. When combined with such a genuine and real-time folk-rock sound this lets the songs connect in an honest way.
In a world full of regurgitated instrumentals and ideas designed to keep things on the level, White Owl Red are here to offer authenticity and an undeniably human approach to artistry.