Everywhere I Go
New West, 2018
8/10
The follow up to their 2015 debut album, the Athens, Georgia based Cicada Rhythm might be one of the most eclectic outfits that exists in today’s Americana scene, as founding members Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis have now added members to make Cicada Rhythm a full band the embraces much variety.
“America’s Open Roads” starts the listen with warm organ, playful tambourine and the charming, unique vocals of DeMarcus on the instantly memorable Americana, and “Even In The Shallows” follows with violin and cello adding much to the folk-rock influenced setting.
Moving along, “Roses By My Side” recruits mandolin and dobro to the country tinted landscape, while “Straight Scared” brings a fuller approach amid the emotive roots rock that benefits greatly from pedal steel guitar. “Do I Deserve It Yet?”, the album highlight, then offers soulful singing, piano and louder guitars to the dynamic delivery that’s anthemic in its nature.
Close to the end, “Where The Dogwood Dies” finds a calmer place to reside, where expressive vocals align with spirited guitar lines, and “Back Home” exits the listen soft and pretty, as timeless song craft unfolds with much precision and sincerity.
Everywhere I Go was recorded in many places along their travels, including living rooms and churches, and it represents the bands humble, minimal folk-pop beginnings as well as the orchestral and roots rock formula that’s also present now. A band on a seemingly endless journey, it’s an adventure they’re sharing with us, and we’re all better off for tuning into this and their forthcoming chapters, too.
Travels well with: Birds Of Chicago- Love In Wartime; Great Peacock- Forever Worse Better