Lay Your Darkness Down
Soundly, 2022
9/10
Listen to Lay Your Darkness Down
The singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Erelli was diagnosed with degenerative eye disease recently, and along with that came a lot of uncertainty about his creative future. It also made him take a more deliberate approach to his song craft, as he recorded this album slowly, at home, before having some friends contribute.
“Break In The Clouds” opens the listen with a very warm spirit, where a breezy Americana formula unfolds with Dave Brophy’s agile drumming complementing Erelli’s inviting voice, and “Fuel For The Fire” follows with Anthony da Costa’s proficient electric guitar and Zachariah Hickman’s strategic bass making for a stirring, rootsy affair.
At the halfway point, “You” offers a bare and poetic display of slow burning emotion, while “Sense Of Wonder”, the best track, recruits folk influences amid the intricate acoustic guitar and vivid storytelling.
Moving towards the end, “Lay Your Darkness Down” welcomes Lori McKenna’s sublime backing vocals for the powerful and intimate version of Americana, and “Love Wins The Long Run” exits with a fuller approach via Charlie Rose’s glowing pedal steel alongside the playful strumming, punchy drums and, of course, Erelli’s friendly pipes.
Erelli has been faced with a possible life changing diagnosis, but he’s taken that adversity and parlayed it into some of his best work to date, and a must listen for fans of Americana/roots/folk-rock that’s wise and timeless.
Travels well with: John Fullbright- The Liar; Peter Mulvey & Sistastrings- Love Is The Only Thing