A Lovely Place To Die
Self-Released, 2024
10/10
Listen to A Lovely Place To Die
A community band in Seward, Alaska, Blackwater Railroad Company pens folk and roots flavored songs thanks to the band members Tyson T. Davis, Kyle Comeau, Ben Sayers, Braden Rollins and Will Balcao’s inimitable talents.
The swift and warm “Raging Bull In The Barroom” starts the listen with cozy singing alongside lively fiddle and Braden Rollins’ bright tenor sax, and “Clarity” follows with a distinct energy, where Kyle Comeau’s playful keys suit Davis’ expressive pipes.
“Moving Trees” lands in the middle and carries a dance floor appeal via the flowing sax, bouncy keys and Sayers’ meticulous bass, while “Shape Of Things” is an intimate moment of pretty singing and graceful acoustic strumming that bursts into a rhythmic formula.
Close to the end, “Happy Tune” is a quick and textured album highlight that uses backing vocals strategically, and “Long Nights” exits with plenty of retro nods via the creative, timeless songwriting.
A listen that encapsulates the unique life in Alaska and beyond, Rachel DeTemple and Ryan McLaughlin’s contributions on fiddle are significant, and the country, rock, soul and jazz blend is executed with old school nods and honky-tonk fun for a truly original body of work.
Travels well with: The W Lovers- For A Day Or A Lifetime; Tucker Woods- Sunshine Blues