Springsteen, Dylan, and The Rolling Stones are all major
influences heard on The Delta Routine’s latest album, You and Your Lion. It is a sound reminiscent of a perfect blend of
the finest superstars coming together to record with everyone bringing their
absolute best to the table. You and Your
Lion is a fantastic alt-country album that left me wanting to know more
about, and hear more from, The Delta Routine.
In my never ever ending quest to discover the next great
band that I will obsess over for months and months, The Delta Routine hit the
sweet spot. The rockabilly, independent, blues, country, rock and roll melding
of music is what this band specializes in. Unique and addicting, You and Your Lion is a terrific album
that both captivates and mesmerizes with immediate impact. And at the heart of
the music, the center of it all, is vocalist Nick Amadeus. His unique voice
admittedly takes a couple of listens to get accustomed to, but once it has taken
root in your eardrums, the voice is like an old lover returned after years
away.
The originality of You
and Your Lion can be felt on the opening note of the first song, “Chains Off
Me.” It is instantly apparent that this
is no ordinary band. “Chains Off Me” opens with soft acoustic notes before
Amadeus’ voice fills the speakers in its rough and gritty manner. The rest of
the band fills in following the first verse and the slow alt-country track is
up and running. Waves of music spill over the ears, pulling the listener in,
and inviting them into the world of The Delta Routine. A better invitation
could not be had. “Chains Off Me” is a terrific set up that persuades the
listener to hear more. Fortunately, the album never stops being such a gracious
host.
Anytime a band sings a song about New Jersey they will
immediately get my attention. Since I am Jersey proud, I want to make sure they
are not soiling our good state name, especially if the band is not from this great
state. The Delta Routine did the Garden State proud with their
Springsteen-esque homage in “Queen of New Jersey.” Ripe with horns (including a
tuba), this song feels like a modern version of Springsteen’s “Wild Billy’s
Circus Story” on steroids. “Queen of New Jersey” is a dark, haunting song that
builds in intensity and finally explodes in the climactic chorus. A powerful
song, “Queen of New Jersey” is worthy of many multiple plays.
“Home With You” is a dark acoustic number that really showcases
The Delta Routine’s indie rock roots. Exceptionally original and addictive,
“Home With You” is one of the best songs on You
and Your Lion. Moody bass lines from Evan Paydon overlay ringing guitar
notes picked by Mike Hoffman and lay the dark foundation for this song. Putting
a modern lyrical twist on the classic break up song, The Delta Routine create a
new way to define losing a love due to being in a road weary touring band. The
end result is the finest song of the album.
If you’ve never experienced the delight of The Delta Routine
before, You and Your Lion is a
perfect starting point. Chock full of memorable moments, hit songs, and some of
the best rock/country/blues blended music in the business, You and Your Lion is guaranteed to be on most must have lists after
just one listen. Why not put yourself ahead of the curve and grab the record
now?
Ryo’s Rating: 8.5
(out of 10)
Track Listing:
Chains Off Me
Gone Again
On A Saturday Night
Nothing on Me
Queen of New Jersey
You and Your Lion
Home With You
On A Roll
Dying Too
Hard To Blame Her
Don’t You Wait So Long
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