Label: Kimchee Records
Release Date: May 26, 2003
Website: wgc.hinah.com
Willard Grant Conspiracy
- Regard the End
Jeff Edwards
First off, never expect a big-hatted country guy named Willard to take to the stage if going to see Willard Grant Conspiracy live. In fact, what one might see could change depending on the whim of the band members.
Even the term "members" is a bit of a misnomer in terms of this loose musical collective and could involve any number of twenty or so musicians. In that sense, perhaps they have been comparing notes with the Polyphonic
Spree. However, the music itself is so much darker and gloomier that the comparisons would end there.
The vibe from the first notes of the album is that of dark, gothic Americana. The vocals are of a deep baritone reminiscent of more traditional country acts such as Waylon Jennings or Marty Stuart. Again, these analogies break down due to the musical direction, though.
Taken as a whole, the atmosphere could be lifted from Nick Cave or a toned-down Sixteen Horsepower. These are especially apt descriptions considering the
lyrics. Death, faith and pain are all on display. Consider the following from "Fare Thee Well":
Faith can heal a lot of wounds,
Especially interesting lyrically is the song "Ghost of the Girl in the Well," about a slave girl killed and disposed of by her family's owner. The presentation in first person is interesting and different - it's not often that a country singer tries anything as daring as channeling the words of
a young slave girl. Female vocals come into the mix during certain portions and add the desired ghostly effect.
This is a disc that rises above much of what has become a very sound-alike genre of alt-country in recent years. Although the tunes converge toward mid-tempo, some excellent musicianship including everything from
mandolin and piano to trumpet and saw (yes, that kind of saw) really carries the album to a higher plateau. It certainly has enough variation, creativity and depth to warrant additional listenings.
posted 03.11.04
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Here at night in this rented room,
I look to the ceiling and find a reason,
To carry on.
Jeff Edwards is now listed in who's who in the management sciences (courtesy Googlism.com). E-mail him at paranoia@sbcglobal.net
2003 White Elephant
Productions