Love And Rain
Yellow Room, 2023
9/10
The inimitable vocalist, guitarist and banjo player Annie Capps is joined by her partner, Rod Capps, who handles electric guitar and viola across these heartfelt and folk friendly 10 songs.
The very warm “Mr. Crow” begins the listen with much beauty before the crisp folk-rock enters thanks to Michael Shimmin’s playful drums and Annie’s expressive pipes, and “Old Spice & Patchouli” follows with an infectious energy of toe tappin’ fun that welcomes Jason Dennie’s flowing mandolin amid Daniel Ozzie Andrews’ frisky bass plucking.
Half way through, “We Need The Rain” is a gentle, bluesy moment that’s populated by Al Hill’s mature piano and Rod’s spirited electric guitar, while “Anything But You” benefits from Rod’s animated viola and an old time feel that carries jazz nods and a jug band feel.
“Lightning Strike” and “Love Comes Round” exit the listen, where the former comes with some swampy flavor alongside the radiant vocal harmonies and the latter finishes with no lack of grooves or harmonies that suit the strong attention to rhythm.
A record where each song shines in its own light, the Capps are versed Americana, folk, blues, jazz and bluegrass, and their fusion presence really makes this a unique and memorable body of work.
Travels well with: Matthew Morgan- Timepiece; Mark Leggett- Folktown