Bad For Business
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Partners in music and life, Adrian, who handles guitar and sings, and Meredith, who holds down fiddle, foot percussion and also sings, recorded these 11 tracks in their living room with some friends, and they sure do put an insightful and fun spin on folk music in the process.
“Even” starts the listen with much grit as Ken Francis Wenzel’s well timed saxophone complements Adrian’s inimitable vocals and the bouncy drumming from Aaron Shafer-Haiss, and the title track follows with a gypsy rock sort of exploration that thumps and flows with Meredith’s fiddle acrobatics making a big impression.
Deeper into the listen, “Hungover Eyes” offers an upbeat and brass friendly display of carnival-esque sort of adventurousness, while “Too Far” brings mystery and elegance to the affair with acoustic guitar and moody strings as Adrian delivers vivid storytelling. “Kids These Days”, the album’s best, then recruits Fats Kaplin’s accordion and Robert M Gay’s soulful trumpet to the orchestral and chamber filled creativity.
“Chalk” lands near the end and brings warm, roots rock flavor to the listen where Meredith’s sublime fiddle accents Adrian’s expressive pipes, and “Valley View” exits with Meredith’s pretty vocals guiding the folk influenced finish that showcases Kaplin’s banjo prowess.
The impetus for Bad For Business lies in the last 4 years of national politics, and there’s definitely some punk spirit to be found across this sophomore album. Whether they’re rubbing elbows with surf rock, blues, country or Americana, every second here is worth much of your attention, and, if given the chance, could very well become one of your favorite records.
Travels well with: 49 Winchester- ///; Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats- Everyone Everywhere