Swampcandy – Mine (Independent)
‘Mine’ is the fifth LP from Maryland based Swampcandy (Ruben Dodds
- guitar/vocals and Joey Mitchell bass/percussion/arrangements), and it’s a
continuation of their previous collection ‘Land’ - though it sounds like a case
of natural evolution rather than intelligent design. It’s without doubt a
collection that comfortably stands alone, and if ‘Mine’ were your first
experience of Swampcandy – as it is mine - I wouldn’t worry too much that
you’ve missed something that’s going to hinder your enjoyment.
They’re certainly a talented twosome - Dodds is in possession of a
voice that wouldn’t have sounded out of place in ‘90s Seattle, albeit with a
roots edge that grounds the songs and plays to their strengths and Mitchell
understands a songs dynamics, and consistently brings the best out of them. And
although they’re officially a duo, ‘Mine’ boasts a musical line-up of over a
dozen bodies, contributing everything from Hammond B3 and piano to cello and
fiddles galore. It’s no surprise with the amount of instrumental firepower at
their disposal ‘Mine’ sounds fully formed and musical detail and revelations abound.
Together the band cook up a rough and tumble collection of tunes
that mix up barroom blues, classic American rock ‘n’ roll and grungy
alt-country. Most of it works brilliantly, and on tracks like the rollicking
opener ‘JC’s Revenge’ and the wickedly intense ‘Dead Man Walking’ the sparks
fly.
As stated previously, I can’t say I’m au fait with any of
Swampcandy’s back catalogue but I intend to be soon. ‘Mine’ is the sort of
album that converts folk, and I’m happy to be one of ‘em.
Rollo
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