John Hollier & The Reverie – Rainmaker
This album got off to a rousing start right out of the gate. “Gonna Love You,” followed by the rollicking “If She’s Lonely,” made it 2 songs that aren’t necessarily country rock but pure backwoods rock hooch with Americana as a chaser. John Hollier (vocals/guitar/producer) is originally from Louisiana, so that could explain the high-octane drive. No fooling around here.
By track three, the addition of a bellowing sax (Teddy Thibedoux-Jones) to “Holding Too Tight” brings the plodding, danceable stalking melody to a fever pitch. It’s mindful of music by Big Back 40 (“Blood”), C. Gibbs Band (“Drag the Ashes”) & Mighty Joe Plum (“Irish”) – 3 bands that explored these same territories as Mr. Hollier.
Hollier & the Reverie do a fine job with their performance. Even the ballads have muscle. The arrangements have fumes (“Crashing”) — that touch of sax sets them apart from many bands. That warm sound anchors an identity to the music. And each of the 12 seeded clouds that make up Rainmaker (Dropped March 20/WhollyABar/Thirty Tigers/The Orchard/43:22) is dynamic in their own satisfying way. Some bring thunder, some a spring shower & others like “Can’t Say No Tonight” is a torrential storm. Good stuff. Soulful, rocky, & even has a Broadway show tune type lift to it that works. John’s aggressive balls-out singing is exceptional. You can feel the precipitation of notes, & a sense of “being into it” which is inspiring.
Back to ballad terrain on “Rival,” the arrangement is the force. Well-groomed interplaying & though there’s no credit, I suspect warm trombone notes on the prowl in the music. Powerful tune. And it leads into the masterful “Saturday Night Polly,” that’s a great showstopper & an addiction for dancing feet. Some songs radiate with heat & this is one. It’s incendiary & well projected with drums shaking the walls & ceiling. It gallops to an end & warrants a replay.
Ok, they’re not as ultra creative as The Beatles or Rolling Stones, but they have style (“Rainmaker”) that’s appealing & they perpetuate a “sound.” The band captivates with its fullness; catchy melodic structures woven through each separate tune, giving them a signature of their own. The wonderful band Eddie & the Tide also had this magic over 2 releases – hopefully these guys can keep that musical ball rolling through all the obstacles this industry can toss into one’s path. They are deserving.
Producers: Ryan Hadlock, Gabe Rabben & Matt Ross-Spang. Recorded in Seattle, WA, Nashville & Memphis, TN.
Highlights – “Gonna Love You,” “If She’s Lonely,” “Holding Too Tight,” “Crashing,” “Can’t Say No Tonight,” “Rival,” “Saturday Night Polly,” “Somewhere Down the Road,” “Rainmaker,” & “Hollow Heart.”
Musicians – Zachary Scott Kline (lead guitar), Ray Akers (bass), Brian Cox (drums), with Elliott Blaufuss (keys) & David Austin (electric guitar on 2 tracks).
CD @ Bandcamp + Apple & https://www.johnhollier.com/