The Wild Honey Collective Vol. 3
The Wild Honey Collective is a band that formed on back porches of Michigan. They produced a pleasantly surprising Volume 1 during Covid and are now into their Volume 3, releasing on May 31. This album was produced by The Wild Honey Collective, mixed by Tommy McCord and primarily engineered by Tommy with assists from Adam Aymor and Tommy Rodriguez. It was recorded in a wide variety of home and makeshift studio environments, and ultimately mastered by Rick Johnson.
Presenting four interpretations of traditional songs and one cover of Gene Clark’s ” Tried So Hard,” and seven original songs, this band makes dreamy country folk style music.
“Sideways Headless” is a song that opens and blossoms as it goes along. The cover of “Tried So Hard” is earnest and energetic. The pedal steel opening “Goodbye Forever” sets it up nice and sorrowful, and this music on this one swirls up nicely with the fiddle joining in.
“Bear” continues the festive energy in a real dynamic footstomper and a tale of an encounter with a bear. “Lily” is a lively number with an honest ode to sisterhood and vocals that are comforting and sweet.
Overall this album is a collection of enjoyable songs and is just solid good music. The band combines a high level of enthusiasm with some dreamy playing.
To my ear, the band could really shine out more if they separated the vocals in the mix so they come out clearer and more “stand out”; as it is, the songs have the feel of a live recording, which is fine. But, for example, with “Lily” the vocals are recorded distinctly differently (it’s not just the vocalist) and they really pop with clarity, and it sounds like a different mic was even perhaps used. For what it’s worth, I suggest repeating this exact recording method on every song for the next album, just my opinion.
Musicians on the album are Tommy McCord on vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, 12 string electric guitar, electric organ, banjo, electric bass, and lead vocals on “Goodbye Forever,” and co lead vocals on “Tried So Hard” and “Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms.” Danielle Gyger is on vocals, fiddle (lead vocals on “Lily” and “Dreadful Wind and Rain,” and co lead vocals on “Tried So Hard,” “Roll In…,” and “Burning Daylight”). Timmy Rodriguez is on vocals, acoustic guitar, electric bass, banjo, keyboards, and accordion (lead vocals on “Bear,” “Outer Space,” and “Blue Eyes”). Dan O’Brien is on vocals, acoustic guitar, electric bass, upright bass, harmonica, 12 string acoustic guitar, baritone guitar, pump organ, autoharp, and jew’s harp (lead vocals on “Sideways Headless,” “These Old Shoes,” and “Burning Daylight”). And Adam Aymor on pedal steel guitar and Joel Kuiper on drums and percussion.
You can find their music here: https://gtgrecords.net/thewildhoneycollective/