Band of Rain – Petrichor
The search continues during this nasty pandemic for new music. And there is much to be found, including some new bands to my ears. A recent find includes, Band of Rain.
Being from Seattle I already liked the band name. What was even better, was the title of their latest album, Petrichor, released on March 30, 2020. Petrichor is defined as “a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather”. Yes, we have those effects in late August, here in Seattle, and it is wonderful.
Although Band of Rain is new to my ears, they have been around since 2002, and have released 6 albums prior to Petrichor. Many to critical acclaim.
The band is made up of: Jon Camp, on bass; Matthew Corry, on lead vocals and lyrics on tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, & 7; Chris Gill, on guitars and programming; Rick Hambleton, on percussion and drums; Robert Webb, on keyboards; Ria Parfitt, on whispers on track 4; Halfway House Male Voice Choir, created choir samples, on track 6. Michael Steinbacher, did the album mastering.
The band’s sound has its roots in English folk music and tradition, along with some classic progressive rhythms. However, Band of Rain, have created original pieces that cannot be clearly compared to any one band.
Petrichor is full of powerful lyrics, that create both great stories and wonderful visions of landscapes in England. The deep bass that protrudes most of these sounds, highlights the importance of Jon Camp. But synthesizers and keyboards also create awesome soundscapes that help this band paint multiple dimensions of sound that demonstrate their talents and experience. The guitar work, both acoustic and electric is top notch, original and well played. The drumming is steady and reaches its heights on “The Craft”, “Larkspur”, and especially “Merlin” and “Tupelo”.
An example of the wonderful lyrical talent can be witnessed in the opening track, “Daughter of the Moor”, “The fields and haze can dissipate the ghost of family life. Live diminished infinity awaits beyond the field and grain. Look and leap affability will keep the personality inside. Copacetic infinity begins with ending the liturgy of our so human inclinations to live beyond our chosen time; this time of year, she comes”.
Every track on this album is both worthwhile and full of imparted knowledge and interesting music. But my favorites are: “Daughters of the Moor”, especially the ocean flow at the song’s opening. “Larkspur”, and “Merlin”, are very good. “Tupelo”, displays their ability to work in blues circles, and “Witchfinder”, with its powerful lyrics and march – like rhythm is a standout, “The day thins again, when the morning comes. And the fallow faun lies rusting in the light. Beyond the glade, is made, a sign. Amidst the shade, red blades of life. Beware the witch”.
The finale, and title track, “Petrichor”, is by far the best song on the album. At over 12 minutes, it opens with that soft rain and electric guitar. Synthesizers add to the rain – filled soundscape as wonderful guitar plays through the track. Larger, bold riffs add to the somber sound of the song. The lyrics are up to the high standards already set with the rest of the album, “How cruel are these days, to strip me of my senses? And all that remains is that memory of yours. Before the end of things, and the end of me, I’ll make sure I loved. Something. Once a lover always loved, once a fighter always fighting the waves, if only to remember me, will you remain?”.
The album was produced by HollowHill Studio, Dorset, UK. Photography/Art by Michael James Gill (rear), Robert Felton (insert), Chris Gill (cover)
Typesetting/layout by Dave Pearson.
All I can tell you is that I am happy I found this band, and now my course is set on hearing the rest of their discography. A wonderful find, and another band full of musical discoveries. Please give this album a listen, and I’m sure they will raise your curiosity to hear more.
Track List
- Daughter of the Moor – 7:50
- The Craft – 6:35
- Larkspur – 7:53
- Merlin – 7:18
- Tupelo – 5:44
- Witchfinder – 7:34
- Petrichor – 12:12
https://bandofrain.bandcamp.com/album/petrichor