The Cotton Famine Road - Devil’s Hangin’ EP Review
I’ve been following the musical journey of The Cotton Famine Road since their earliest inception, and if nothing else it’s an intriguing trail. The duo, Russ Learmont and Sean Connor, appear to be moving away from their more traditional Americana / folk influences with new EP ‘Devil’s Hangin’’, into territories anew. Initially, it’s a slightly false start, ‘All I Can Offer’ is a song that’s been around a while and one I’ve always found a touch twee around the melody. This further leads to Learmont’s vocal becoming a bit sing songy, which only extenuates the tweeness. There’s also a feel it’s slightly unfinished, and should return to its initial elements.
Continue however and totally different aspects appear. The title track enters Hispanic mode, a cross between ‘Little bit you, little bit me’ intermingled with ‘Sherry Darlin,’ and ‘Crunchy Granola Suite’ is catchy as hell and impossible not to induce much foot tappin and shoe shuffling.
‘Waves’ proves the centrepiece both statistically and sonically within this 3 track EP. Very cleverly constructed, Learmont and Connor go fusion, the bass lines adding a jazz feel and Russ’s vocal far more suited to the less melodious aspects. The track culminates in prog majesty of all things, closing in tumultuous style. My only criticism I can offer at this point is that the ending could easily have been extended further to even greater effect.
While The Cotton Famine Road aren’t quite there yet, there are some innovative ideas on show here and as a certain Marvin Lee Aday once said, ‘Two out of three ain’t bad.’
https://thecottonfamineroad.bandcamp.com
https://m.facebook.com/pages/The-Cotton-Famine-Road/465822180153223
About the Author
Andy Barnes An avid music fan for far more years than he cares remember, and an avid gig goer since the age of fifteen. Of the three Sonic Bandwagon presenters, Andy exhibits the most varied taste. It’s certainly not uncommon for a diabolically dark piece of Black Metal to be swiftly followed by minimalist electro pop, a laid back piece of ambient jazz or even a full scale hoedown.
