Portmanteau Says It All
This is a superb sophomore album from a superb southern
rock/soulful band from Orlando, Florida, fronted by Thomas Wynn with sister
Olivia providing dynamite harmony vocals. It’s a strong, tight band too with
some great harmonica playing, as on opener Brothers
& Sisters. Thomas plays a neat guitar when needed, and his vocals have
the clear echo of John Fogerty at times. There is great depth to this album, as
acoustic fourth track Heaven Tonight
attests with its southern folk mood and wonderful vocal harmonising from Thomas
and Olivia. This is followed immediately by another acoustic number, It’s Alright, and the simple acoustic guitar
and dual vocals have a fresh, live feel: testament to total confidence in the
song and performance [Thomas belting out his emotive lyrics]. Seventh Lifeline Woman is all southern soul,
love’s narrative and the drama of delivery staged to heightened effect. Olivia
gets her solo spotlight on another acoustic number, Battleground, and brother Thomas provides supporting vocal harmony
here: these unadorned live-like recordings providing a dynamic core to the
whole. The album does end on an excellent chugging rocker, Black November. Key moments are a witty staccato harmony, a
psychedelic harmonica work-out, a fine echoed guitar rip, a solo bass romp, and
a sustained but not overdone drum slot – all exemplifying the band’s shit-hot
credentials. There really isn’t a better portmanteau for it.
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