There are bands and artists that I already knew when, for me, the American independent world was unknown.
They became so famous and their music so original and innovative, that their name had circulated even on this side of the ocean, despite not having the mainstream behind them to fill their sails.
Well, I already knew American Aquarium, but I had never really deepened my knowledge of them and my listening had always been superficial, wrongly.
So I recommend, as I did, to recover all their fantastic discography, obviously after having savored this jewel.
Today the legendary band from North Carolina, led by the charismatic leader BJ Barham, gives the world their tenth effort (it has been around since 2006) The Fear of Standing Still, and, above all, demonstrates, if there was ever a need, that they are a super country rock band.
Indeed, now, thanks to the wise guidance behind the console of Shooter Jennings, they are more rock than country, but always capable of writing powerful and incisive lyrics.
The album opens with Crier, a lashing roar of guitars and rhythm with the voice of a consummate rocker of Barham to guide us in this song where he tries to break down the wall of exasperated “masculinity”: even men cry and it is not a sign of weakness.
The following Messy As Magnolia is street rock, it is quality American rock sung by a voice that strikes the heart, while the text seems very autobiographical.
The intro of Cherokee Purples is beautiful, a piece oscillating between rock and country that highlights Barham’s voice and will make an impression on fans of both genres.
Southern Roots, sung in duet with the very talented Katie Pruitt, is a powerful ballad that claims the beautiful traditions and roots of the South, with two voices that complement each other beautifully.
A delicate piece, but powerful and emotional. Rock of crystalline class.
Another rock ballad from another time is The Curse of Growing Old, with memories of his father that accompany reflections on the mortality of the human being.
An elegant writing, but at the same time scratchy and powerful: BJ Barham is a singer-songwriter too underrated, he must be among the greats of American music.
The title track is another jewel of American rock: so elegant, so beautifully arranged, so powerful.
Babies Having Babies is a country rock ballad that Barham‘s voice leads between the acoustic guitar and the pedal-steel.
The text is a courageous journey into the difficult topic that is abortion, without rhetoric, but with a lot of poetry and strong images. I don’t know if it will be divisive, but it is a truly sparklingly beautiful piece.
The album closes with the energetic and fun rock of Heart Down, Feet Moving.
Guitars, killer riffs and a voice that was born to attack the audience, especially live where the live performances of this band are now countless and this piece will surely become a new anthem.
The American Aquarium of the brilliant BJ Barham confirm themselves as a great band and give us 10 songs that wonderfully blend the two strongest and most intense souls of the South of the States: rock and country.
An album played and produced with class, strength and elegance by a band aware of their means and wisely guided by a great producer of American rock.
The real one, the one that rockers who have become mainstream have forgotten to play for us a long time ago.
Enjoy,
Trex
