Same Devil New Skin
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
This 4th album from the South Carolina songwriter Don Merckle is presented as a whole rather than individual tracks, and he’s got a lot of help for the cinematic and heartfelt delivery.
Merckle’s bright voice and lively finger snapping opens the listen with “Covered In Dirt”, as Evan Simmons’ animated drums enter alongside Mark Rapp’s soaring trumpet, and “Die In The Country” follows with a softer mood via the descriptive storytelling and soulful backing vocals.
The middle tracks belong to “Monster In These Hills” and “Same Devil New Skin”. The former comes with beats and a light buzzing with much emphasis on atmosphere, while the latter benefits from Zach Bingham’s intricate guitar and Moses Andrews III’s keys for the flowing, rootsy flavor.
Residing near the end, “Murders In This Town”, the album’s best, is a thoughtful, folk-influenced moment that emits a distinct dreaminess and plenty of warmth amid mesmerizing electric guitar, and “The Devil Showed Me His Hand” exits with intimacy, Chris Bussell’s well timed sax and a rich collaboration between the many players present.
Somewhat of a ‘folk-horror record’, Merckle’s vision embraces plenty of American Music traditions, where a rock’n’roll spirit is at the core of this unique and memorable effort.
Travels well with: Nichole Wagner- Plastic Flowers; Emily Hicks- Weird Wild Wonderful