Suthernahia
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
Born in Southern Ohio, Ben Davis Jr. and his band The Revelry construct some very thoughtful tunes on the appropriately titled Suthernahia, and their meshing of roots, country, punk and folk, among other genres, makes for an enlightening, engaging listen.
“I Think You Should” starts the listen with lush Americana sounds as Davis Jr.’s husky vocals guide the way through power and melody, and “Can’t Get Enough” follows with a rockabilly spirit that’s a little bit rowdy and a whole lot of fun.
Further along, “Porchlight” offers a quieter moment of campfire-esque songcraft, while “Sunday Morning” blends blues influences into the riff friendly, roots rock setting.
Near the end, “(I’m Doing") Fine Girl” recruits softer percussion on the alt-country highlight, and “Carly” ends the listen bare, with much intimacy and melancholy in the rustic beauty.
A listen that primarily surrounds relationships, Davis Jr. and company are always eloquent, unpredictable and absolutely one of the most dynamic outfits in today’s Americana scene.
Travels well with: Steve Earle- Guy; David Childers- Run Skeleton Run