Haunted Like Human – American Mythology
Superb harmonies blend with the sparkling Nashville-based voices of Georgia-native Dale Chapman & Oregon-bred multi-instrumentalist Cody Clark. Together, they’re reminiscent vocally of Lyme & Cybelle (Warren Zevon & Violet Santangelo) who in 1966 issued the terrific minor single “Follow Me.” This Haunted Like Human effort has more folky elements with banjo & fiddle. The songs seem stronger lyrically than their earlier effort but even that collection was good.
Both “Milliner’s Daughter” & “Family Name” are wonderful songs, sung excellently. While “Hangman’s Song” cruises along in a more traditionally rich vein. The voice & words are serious & the tone is deeper, cool & cut from the same cloth with the inherent resonance of Canada’s Horse McDonald (“You Could Be Forgiven”). Good stuff. This is the duo’s 3rd album & their sound is more refined on American Mythology (Dropped Nov 21/Independent).
A 14-track album where “Meet Me In Memphis” has a lighter classical steel-string acoustic guitar intro. It’s more accessible to mainstream ears. The duo vocalizing is well-balanced & attractive. Never too country, never too folky, never corny & always pristine. “High Wire” is quite good with its spare gentle performance that allows Dale’s pure tone to shine brightly. Followed by “Growing Pains,” another song of clarity, good narrative & cello/fiddle sound nested between acoustic guitar picking. Their diversified playing keeps each song an interesting story. Their melodies are all as miscellaneous as M&Ms in the bag or jellybeans in a bowl. The same, but different. All good. “Bargain With the Moon” is one of the most accessible songs for those mainstream radio-tuned ears.
“Lazarus” is sung with the husky vocal enchantment of a June Tabor with the antiquated folk singing of English bands like Fairport Convention & Fotheringay. Yet, not ignoring the country-sensibilities in the deep voiced Jody Miller (“Silver Threads & Golden Needles”). The plucking of banjo is a nice contrast with the bright fiddle, thudding percussion that renders the song with a soft-focus sophistication. If nothing else, the duo is a well-disciplined musical unit. Their meticulous ear for detail is obvious & formal without being stuffy.
This is an entertaining showcase. “Kingston Pike” has the ambitious feel of the Oyster Band & Spirit of the West. Their traditional penetration isn’t without its modern-day appeal. And Haunted Like Human possesses this charm. Lots of penetrating themes line the grooves of these songs, all exceptionally rendered. “Married In Savannah” has their best contrasting vocalizing harmony. An exciting listen.
Highlights – “Milliner’s Daughter,” “Family Name,” “Hangman’s Song,” “Meet Me In Memphis,” “Growing Pains,” “Bargain With the Moon,” “Lazarus,” “Kingston Pike,” & “Married In Savannah.”
Color image courtesy of their website gallery. CD @ Amazon & https://www.hauntedlikehuman.com/
Song Premiere: https://americanahighways.org/?s=Haunted+Like+Human
