The Record that Keeps Relating

     Another new band with another debut record. New music is starting to sound all too similar. However, the mastermind behind this project is already an alternative icon. How might this have worked out? Flawless.

     In September of 2011, the debut record, Elsie, was released by a new duo, The Horrible Crowes. More of a side project than a band, The Horrible Crowes was an escape for alternative music’s favorite, Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem.

Look for this album cover at your local music store!
(http://www.amazon.com/Elsie-Horrible-Crowes/dp/B005BO2LKC)

     Ian Perkins, The Gaslight Anthem’s guitar technician and long time friend of Fallon is Fallon’s Partner in crime on Elsie. Although Elsie sounds like it could have passed for a laid back Gaslight record, Fallon stated it just wasn’t fair to Gaslight’s fans. The Horrible Crowes had to be a different project.

     Nevertheless, any fan of The Gaslight Anthem would fall in love with The Horrible Crowes.

     In three words, Elsie is relatable, moody, and unique. This is the most emotional record released in the last year.

     Fallon personally categorizes it as, “Soul music for sad kids.” Songs like “Blood Loss,” and “Sugar” are slow, easy listeners that truly hit the heart but have a hint of hope that’ll make a listener crack a smile as the end approaches.

     “Black Betty and the Moon,” and the record’s single, “Behold the Hurricane” are fun Gaslight sounding songs to twist and shout too.

     A record that demands a feeling of hope and an urge to dance is always great, but it isn’t dark soul music without making one shed a tear. And songs such “I believe Jesus brought us together”, and “Cherry Blossom” will make any cochlea cry.

     Aside from the mood and emotion, the record has several different genre styles as well.

     “I witnessed a crime” sounds like 50’s jazz, and “Marry Ann” sounds like angry blues.

     Elsie may be the most emotional record of the year, but it is most definitely the most unique record of the decade.

     It is safe to say that Fallon and Perkins are doing it right.