Here To Tell The Tale
Sower, 2021
10/10
Listen to Here To Tell The Tale
The Hudson Valley rockers Lara Hope And The Ark-Tones certainly have an identity problem and we’re all better off for it, as evidenced by this stunning 3rd album that welcomes swing, pop, jazz, rockabilly, country and much more into their unique version of rock’n’roll.
“Let’s Go!” starts the record and truly deserves the exclamation point as clever guitar work, soulful backing vocals and quick drumming offer a contagious energy, and “Stop, Drop, & Roll” follows with a retro-rock spirit that will get you headed towards a dance floor in a much, much earlier decade.
Further on, “Woah Is Me” shuffles with a swift, rural delivery that’s part rockabilly, part country rock and features Rosie Rion Porco on fiddle, while “It’s A Crime” shifts into haunting areas of bluesy introspection. “Knocked Out” then swings with so much nostalgic charm as Hope’s inviting pipes are sweet and poetic amid warm guitar work and jazzy moments you can’t help but admire.
Close to the finish, the speedy and swampy “12 Minutes Of Hot Water” brings plenty of southern greatness to the album highlight, and “I Drink To Your Health” exits the listen steeped in gospel nods before building into an enthusiastic vintage rocker where The Ark-Tones, many guest musicians and choral singers help capture the live demeanor that Hope and company are known for.
A record that should be shelved alongside Brian Setzer, Tiger Army or Reverend Horton Heat, there just isn’t a moment wasted on this exceptional and diverse listen, where, according to Hope, their best songs to date reside, and I’m certainly in agreement with that.
Travels well with: Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band- Dance Songs For The Hard Times; Possessed By Paul James- As We Go Wandering