Spirit Family Reunion
Album: No Separation
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.spiritfamilyreunion.com

I'm no expert on the history of American music, however listening to No Separation, the debut album from Spirit Family Reunion, I feel that I am getting an authentic insight into tradition and genre that feels both familiar and exciting.

'The Night Replaced The Day' kicks things off in grand style with a banjo daring you to try and not tap your feet. Like the cabin in the song, we are building from the base up layer by layer. On top of the banjo' s an enticing vocal, then fiddle bass and drums propelling us forward in a joyful rush. Not only am I loving the energy and musicality, I'm also transported by the lyrical imagery: 'Try to understand / She put a pistol in my hand / And slowly walked away'. To these ears I'm in the wild-west, at the mercy of a Raymond Chandler femme fatale whilst escaping a bank heist with Bonnie and Clyde! Obviously you'll have your own references but I think you get my point, Spirit Family Reunion have managed to harness their wagon to classic Americana. After a rabble rousing two minutes and twenty seconds, the song is finished - but this is not a problem, Spirit Family Reunion have plenty more from where that came from.

I was very lucky to see Spirit Family Reunion support Levon Helm earlier this year and the energy of their stage performance has been captured excellently on No Separation. 'I Am Following The Sound' and '100 Greenback Dollar Bills' rattle along like an iron horse. 'Sorrow I have Known' and 'On My Mind' shows that Spirit Family Reunion have drunk deeply from the well of melancholy, whilst 'Green Rocky Road' shows a togetherness and confidence that's been forged from numerous performances busking on the streets of New York City - the glorious vocal is teetering on the edge as it wrings every bit of emotion out of this foot stomping number.

Like the whisky that "takes away the hurtin'", this is a record that leaves a strong impression on the listener, without any hangover! It is aware of its influences without feeling in any way tired or derivative. This is down to quality song writing, playing and the infectious enthusiasm evident throughout. If you have even only a passing interest in Americana I think you'll find something to enjoy in this record, and if it is a genre you like you may just fall in love with Spirit Family Reunion.

Jeremy Verrall