The Runaway Strings Deliver A Warm and Classic Album Release
- R.A.G.
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
A new album release from The Runaway Strings hits with such a warm set of acoustic tones that beckon everything from bluegrass to classic folk, country, and more, all rolled into this sort of character-ridden and rustic-laced record that absolutely wraps itself around you in all the best ways possible.
The record is called Blackwood, and right off the bat, you start getting a great feel for that vintage bluegrass aesthetic with its first track, "Living The Dream".
This song features layers of acoustics, violins, and a classic rhythm, along with duetted vocals sung by both male and female, giving this whole thing such a welcoming aesthetic.
As the song opens up, harmonica comes into play, and the whole thing just feels lush with these layers of different textures that come together to create an atmosphere that's Southern-toned and outstandingly performed.
As you listen through the record, the songs have an amazing way of putting you in the moment with them.
It feels almost as if they recorded a lot of the record together in a room, at one time, like a live recording.
Now, I wasn't there, so I'm not sure how they actually did it, but listening to the record just gives you that live performance vibe because you can almost feel how the players feed off of each other.
There's an undeniable synergy happening, and that is a unique feel.
It's kind of rare to hear a band pull that kind of aesthetic and energy off on record so well.
"Jimmy" is performed with a heavy hand on the banjo and a faster Pace, definitely dipping further into the bluegrass kind of approach, and it's super addicting at this point.
By the time you get halfway through the record, you begin to expect the unexpected, although you know that there is an aesthetic happening here. The whole record has a particular kind of style to it, and although they branch off throughout its course, they hold on tight to their Roots.
Those roots, of course, being the genres I mentioned before. Americana, country, bluegrass, folk, and even blues.
Speaking of amazing energy and performance, "Big Gold Watch" is probably one of my favorite tracks on the record.
The way they flow together is just outstanding. The tones and textures of the acoustic guitars, banjos, harmonica, and everything else involved are just brilliant.
The whole thing is infectious. Not just the energy, but the tonality. The performances of these songs are so engaging.
The acoustic guitars strum with great stride and speed while the banjo's finger pick quickly, layering in arpeggiated chords and beautiful melodies and notes everywhere. The harmonica brings a stability that is usually performed with notes that are held out longer, and the vocals are always sort of inviting. Almost always do edit, and have a perfect way of complimenting the rest of the instrumentation.
"Omelette" is sort of a breather track. It's only a minute or so long, and it gives you such a light-hearted side to the band. It's funny, quick, a little quirky, and shows massive character.
This is another element of the record I feel like has a great impact. The whole album boasts character, which is something you end up getting attached to.
This was such an incredibly colorful release. You get so much from the lyrics, storytelling, personal perspectives, and vocal performances, but you also get tons from the instruments.
This was totally classic from start to finish, and I feel like anyone who loves real Southern, folk, country, bluegrass, or even blues will comfortably dig right into this record and enjoy every second of it.
I couldn't imagine a person who would listen to this record and not immediately want to go see this band.
I would want to see that energy portrayed right in front of my face.
These songs were swinging, danceable, hoedown classics that really just come through as infectious as humanly possible.
I can't remember the last time I had this much fun listening to a record.
These people are masters of their instruments, and it's all due to the love they have for their craft.
I find it outstanding that bands like this come together and create such vibrant music.
I would definitely suggest checking out this entire record, from start to finish, in one shot.
It's definitely more than worth your time, and something that you could drink a pint while listening to with the greatest of ease.
So check this out right now and get a feel for exactly what this band is all about.
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