“Hellbound Train” is the latest release from Atlanta-based act Delta Moon. Led by the slide guitar double-team of Tom Gray and Mark Johnson, it’s fair to say that it doesn’t get much bluesier than this. Prepare yourself with a glass of bourbon and a medium-sized rake. Better yet if you have a porch and rocking chair.
The title track begins the album in pure, uncompromising Southern blues-rock swagger, with Gray’s gravel-tinged vocals proving utterly integral to the sound. The sound remains the same though “Room 429” and “Lonely”, after which “Get Gone” plants the listener into Louisiana swamp territory. Somewhat of a shock to the senses, but Johnson’s six-string banjo is more impressive than intimidating.
Song writing duties are largely split between Gray and Johnson, and tracks such as “True Love Lies” and “Ain’t No Train” reinforce this point nicely. There’s - arguably - little room for lyrical manoeuvrability in the blues (purists may oppose the “vodka and fanta” pairing in the latter song), but Gray and Johnson are largely convincing in their wordplay.
“You Got to Move” is a faithful take on a Mississippi Fred McDowell song (made popular by the Rolling Stones some time ago), and proves to be an ideal platform for the dual slide to be exercised. “Ghost in My Guitar” is less impressive, perhaps drawing too heavily on clichés from blues folklore. However, that Southern blues-rock spark returns on “Take the Back Road Home”, a song that hints at the “no bull” approach that may or may not be widespread in Southern culture. Dare you test them?
“Plantation Song” is a kind nod to the history and traditions of the American south. Unlike other tributes to the less northern part of North America, this one manages to paint a positive and hopeful image of the South, without hinting at racial inferiority or references to God. This, again, is from the pen of Tom Gray. Not a surprise, then, that he was named “2008 Blues Songwriter of the Year” by the American Roots Music Association.
Through a combination of musical precision and lyrical integrity, “Hellbound Train” has the power to take even the most unimaginative mind on a thrilling journey through Appalachia. Recommended to anyone with an interest in the blues or roots music.