Sassparilla Honey, I’m Using Again
Portland-and-Colorado-based Americana and back-porch soul band Sassparilla releases their new album, Honey, I’m Using Again, a collection of songs exploring motifs of loss, addiction, and survival.
Produced by songwriter Kevin Blackwell and recorded in his studio basement in Golden, Colorado, Blackwell credits producer/engineer Chet Lyster for teaching him how to produce.
Appearing on the album are two of Blackwell’s old friends – Dan Power (acoustic guitar, backing vocals) and Doug Ebert (upright bass, backing vocals) – along with Emmett, Blackwell’s 13-year-old son, who plays drums. Ross Macdonald plays harmonica on “I’ll Be Damned,” and Narna Muntal provides backing vocals.
Driven primarily by the banjo, the stripped-down sound of the album reflects elements of blues, gospel, and folk music.
According to Blackwell, “I wanted to strip the songs to their bones. Every line, every sound had to serve the emotion – no filler, no flash.”
Talking about the songs’ lyrics, Blackwell says, “I don’t necessarily think it’s ‘significant,’ but [the lyrics] that rings most true to me is, ‘despite all my kicking, my protesting, I’ll be damned that I got old.’ It’s funny how it sneaks up on you.”
Encompassing 15 tracks, high spots on the album include “When I Get Off This Mountain,” a thumping, hillbilly song topped by aching, rasping vocals backed by a sad, sawing fiddle that infuses the melody with a somber tone. There’s a slight jauntiness to the melody that belies the lyrics.
“One Morning” is a blues-inspired, swamp-influenced song that, for reasons that may not be immediately apparent, evokes comparisons to The Beatles’ “Rocky Raccoon.” A kick-drum establishes the simple beat of the song. When Emmett’s snare and toms enter near the end of the song, they add a potent visceral resonance.
A delicious, upbeat love song, “She Wrecks Me” reveals a dazzling, twangy banjo, delightful fiddle, and minimalist harmonies. There’s a wonderfully evocative hurting edge to the vocals on “Walk In My Shoes.” It’s a pain won through hard living.
There’s a Celtic sway to “I’ll Be Damned” that unveils an alluring charm. “Maggie Mae” immediately makes you think of Rod Stewart singing “Maggie May,” although other than the titles, there’s really no similarity other than, perhaps, an underlying quixotic emotion.
A personal favorite because of its driving rhythm and emotionally realistic lyrics, “Submit to the Flames” metes out an addictive harmonic flow.
The title track, featuring a heavy, walloping rhythm, closes the album with tangs of Celtic sensations, chafing vocals, and glowing vocal harmonies. There’s an aura of stoicism to the lyrics, like a simple announcement of a commonplace occurrence.
At once raw and brilliant, on Honey, I’m Using Again, Sassparilla utilizes Spartan arrangements to their best effect. This is a great album.
Discover more about Sassaparilla here.