Reviews
Artist:The Rough & Tumble Album: Only This Far
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: https://www.theroughandtumble.com/
The duo Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler have been playing out as The Rough & Tumble for over ten years now, and 2023 finds them releasing the twelve track album 'Only This Far' which draws on the highs and lows experienced during this time.
Hailing from Pennsylvania and central California respectively, we are told that with Mallory and Scott's unique blend of 'dumpster folk and thrift store Americana' they have a knack for 'weaving together elements of joy, sorrow, comedy and drama'.
All the songs on the album are originals written by Mallory and Scott, and between them they play a dizzying array of instruments and are also ably supported by a further stellar crew of musicians, sadly too numerous to mention individually, who add drums, electric guitar, bass and vocals to the mix.
On to the songs, and this really is modern Americana at its finest, with great nods to folk, country, rural blues and good old bar room rock along the way.
The call to arms of lead track 'Ain't That The Way' is an early and obvious stand out, but the whole album is full of gems. 'A Little Less' rolls through gloriously with Mallory's fine voice sitting somewhere between Mary Chapin Carpenter and Natalie Merchant, 'Homesick' boasts some gloriously wistful harmonies from the two, the 'Key Of G' sees Scott doing a great job with the lead vocal which showcases his sweetly flexible voice, the perky 'Isn't What I thought' again features their tight harmonies, the accordion and electric guitar led Tex-Mex vibe of 'Trouble' is as in your face as would be expected, and album closer 'Shallow Fall' is almost cinematic in scope as its musical horizons stretch out into the distance throughout this elegiac final track.
The Rough & Tumble really do create a sound that's much greater than the sum of the parts, and as would be expected this far into their career, the album arrives fully formed.
The writing is strong, the playing from the duo and everyone else involved is beautifully sympathetic and the recording values capture everything in lovely organic detail.
With 'Only This Far' The Rough & Tumble have produced a fine record indeed.
Paul Jackson
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The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
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