Stream: The Romany Rye “Dear Holly”

(from Highway 1, Looking Back Carefully available now from the Romany Rye)

Chalk it up to the warm weather and cheap drugs or blame it on Buffalo Springfield, but L.A. grinds out its share of guitar-toting folkies. Recalling L.A.’s early folk days, former Colour guitarist and songwriter Luke MacMaster’s Romany Rye has picked up what his Laurel Canyon counterparts left behind and wandered down a dusty new path. This album is an eight-chapter narrative of despair, love and everything in between, and it’s as compelling as old-time religion. From the very first track, “Brother,”—a cautionary tale of deceit—I almost guarantee you’ll find yourself humming along as an organ slowly bleeds into MacMaster’s vocals. “Dear Holly” effuses even more Southern charm, treating us to country twang and perhaps even a washboard. MacMaster’s deep-hearted poetry can mesmerize you after a few lines, as with closing track, “Untitled (Love Song).” The song plays like a high-school ballad, reminding everyone about that one (or in some cases, two) who got away. I picture Highway 1, Looking Back Carefully rattling some dilapidated jukebox while poor souls peer into their drinks and ponder what their lives have become. Hell, I think I need a drink now.

—Carlos Villarreal

Thank god for the Lemon Sun for they certainly made the most redeeming experience offered by this utter turd of a venue—abused bartenders, unbelievable bathroom lines (free Bud Lite will do that) and thickly populated by flocks of ACTORS (“You should totally come see my play..”). The small performance space quickly became a complete clusterfuck when Northridge-based Dawes hit the stage like a poor man’s Lee Michaels. And by hit the stage I mean the awkward lip-biting, shoulder-clinching and organ-abusing acts seemingly mandatory for all caucasian jam bands. The crowd loved it. They probably really like Dave Matthews, too. Then came Lemon Sun. Girls were hot for the band (and secretly so are the boys). But really, why the hell not? Their deliciously syncopated ‘Hot Rocks’ style compositions are easy to love. While such on-stage guitarmageddon could have been deadly in different hands, each sweet, soul-inspired confection was rhythmically unwrapped and devoured with the most perfect grace. Having risen from the ashes of The Colour some years ago, Lemon Sun have been busy building a solid roster of polished rock gems and, unsurprisingly, a large and varied fan base. Lead singer Rob Kolar rightfully belongs in the brave new generation of blue-eyed soul singers; his frequent comparisons to a young Eric Burdon (or a male Chris Clark) are not without merit. Like P.P. Arnold says in the Marriott/Lane penned song “(If You Think) You’re Groovy”: “Now I know what its all about.”

— Zelda Zap