Throwback country-folk from Idaho? Not even sure that the term “throwback” is appropriate to music from that corner of the world. However, it’s my duty to inform that no number of put-downs of Idahoans can stop “Skinny Mammy’s Revenge” – also known as the Gage Street Market Sessions – from being a fine showcase of the music of real America.
Hillfolk Noir is largely the brainchild of Travis Ward. Beyond contributing his percentage on resonator guitar and harmonica, Ward also handles the lion’s share of vocal duties with minimal fuss. However, no quartet bears no prima donnas; everyone plays their part in this act – let’s face it, there is no other option – and that stands them in immediate good stead.
Bluesy songs (“Red Eyed Crow”, “Somefolk”, “Ragged and Dirty Blues”) are positively varied in their sound – and authors, too! – while much of the rest of the album owes largely to the folk and country that dominated Appalachia. Or perhaps The Rockies in this case. A little red-necked gospel is permitted on “The Lord Will Come”, while “The Love I Never Thought I’d Know” gives us an idea of how Nick Cave might’ve sounded one hundred years ago.
With a commendable arsenal of all the expected Americana tools – plus the lesser-known laundraphone – at their disposal, this quartet offer slightly more variety than the next old-time revival act. If this is how they sound on record, I can only imagine their live show to be even more of a thrill.
After all, the entire album was recorded “with one microphone to ¼’’ tape” at the Gage Street Market, which, unsurprisingly, gives a very united feel to the recording. No overdubbing or layering here – this is the real deal whether you like it or not. I’d advise that you like it. Nobody likes a fraud, right? Nothing but rootsy goodness here. Eat your vegetables and buy this album.
Available from CD Baby.