Between The Lightning And The Thunder
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
Listen to Between The Lightning And The Thunder
The Philadelphia roots rockers, Mighty Joe Castro And The Gravamen, return with 10 new songs that tip their hat to Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and Nick Cave.
“Can’t We Just Start Again” opens with a warm spirit, where Castro’s heartfelt singing is met with cozy guitar and Dallas’ light drums, and “Embers In The Ash” follows with a frisky energy that flirts with folk-rock.
In the middle spot, “Look Of Eagles” comes with atmosphere and Mike Stingle’s fluid guitar in a dance floor ready moment, while “Automatic Amnesia” is full rockabilly and reverb in its textured and cautious delivery.
Moving towards the end, the light jangle and soft melodies of “The Dying Breed” are heartfelt and memorable, and “I’m Just An Old Chunk Of Coal (But I’m Going To Be A Diamond Someday)” exits with a gritty demeanor and Matt Hagele’s lively upright bass that does justice to the Billy Joe Shaver classic.
A really fun record that floats around Americana, rockabilly, folk, retro-rock’n’roll and many other rootsy flavors, Castro and company take their vision the more cinematic route, and it’s their best work yet.
Travels well with: Mighty Joe Castro & The Gravamen- Come On Angels!; Miss Georgia Peach- Class Out The Ass