Boulder, Colo.-turned Nashville, Tenn., rockers Down Home Band have a lot to be proud of in their debut effort ‘Monrovia.’ The 11-track collection’s title refers to the capital of Liberia on the Ivory Coast of Africa. What listeners will soon discover on the journey is that Down Home’s arsenal is varied and full of Americana, country-rock, bluegrass and even cajun tunes.
What struck me the most about this band is the fine line between tenderness and imagery. The lyrics in each song seem to drift off into another chapter each verse; while some tracks rely on subtle harmony, others reap rewards from well-constructed prose.
In “Old 95” the introduction has this Alabama-esque toe-tapper orchestration. It’s as if the song is center stage on a Sunday at church – you can hear the strings permeating off the guitar’s hand crafted wood.
“End of The World” is a downer. True, it’s a lazy song that meanders along like a hungover heartbroken hipster. There’s this sense that it could be so positive with a tinge of bright harmonious guitar. This song reminded me of Passenger’s “Let Her Go.”
Other standouts are “Cajun Queen,” which as its title suggests has a Southern-drawl sewn right into it! This is an upbeat tune and really sets a fun scene. “Son of Mine” is quite emotional, and I felt as a listener a bit intrusive in the intense, personal feelings. However, it made me feel – this felt very artistic, albeit, not shoved in my face.
“Drink to Remember” is a bit predictable in its lyrical choice, but the backing orchestration and chorus command is appreciated.
I’d check this band out my next trip to Nashville’s Broadway Street. I think they have an interesting voice and perspective; ‘Monrovia’ is a well-worth-it trip. Overall review: A-
