This reviewer is a little late to the party on this excellent band from Brooklyn. The Lone Bellow are Zach Williams (guitar, lead vocals) Kanene Donehey Pipkin (mandolin, vocals) and Brian Elmquist (guitar, vocals). This debut album is a mix of top class country rock driven by some of the best three part harmonies you will hear this side of CSN. The album was borne out of problems that Williams experienced when his partner suffered temporary paralysis following an accident. He has turned this misfortune in a positive with an album full of passion and authenticity that he constructed during his wife's recovery.
"Time to grow" is a rousing country anthem where the harmonies will take the roof off in the clubs which the band are currently playing. The superb alt country ballad "Two sides of lonely" is underpinned by slow restraint but is no less powerful for it. Williams voice does tend to echo that smoky growl of British singer Matthew Hegarty. When combined with his fellow musicians it can be a thing of wonder not least on the beautiful combined voices of "You never need anybody". Other tracks worth seeking out include the soulful ballad "Teach me to know", the country swing of "You don't love me like you used to" and heartbreak of "Looking for you" where Williams voice soars.
This is a album that will appeal to those who like bands such as the Civil Wars, Shovels and Rope and The Head and the Heart. There is nothing particularly original to found on this debut but what is here in spades are quality songs by musicians at the top of their game and in the US at least on the verge of a real breakthrough. Check out their live concerts on the web and be prepared to be impressed.
Review by Red on Black
