DRAG THE RIVER "It's Crazy" (Suburban Home) Review by Mark Jourdian
The majority of scene kids that dabble in Americana tend to cite LUCERO as their defacto band of choice. Those in the know, however, cite the Fort Collins based DRAG THE HOWEVER. Although they've released over five CDs, a slew of 45s and toured relentlessly, they've always been a word of mouth band. With It's Crazy, DRAG THE RIVER have finally made the jump to an established label for a traditional release.
It's Crazy follows the formula of its predicessors; catchy subdued hooks with tons of twang accompanied by poigniant lyrics and an earnest delivery. The melodic opener and soon to be fan favorite, "Leavin' In The Morning," kicks things into gear with vocalist Chad Price at the helm and Spacey Casey Prestwood of HOT ROD CIRCUIT showcasing his steel guitar stylings.
Price's lead vocals on "Leavin' In The Morning" are dutifully complimented by JJ Snodgrass' vocals on the following song, "Tired And Fired." This sets the stage for a back and forth tipping of the hat as the two trade vocals on every other song. Snodgrass usually takes the energetic numbers while Price takes the quieter songs. While both musicians craft beautiful melodies and convey feelings in a manner that most singers could only dream of, Price's songs still stand out as the strongest of the slate.
Price's most notable song, "Beautiful & Damned," is a first hand snapshot of regret following a potentially divorce-inducing fight with his wife. Price lightly plucks at his accoustic guitar strings as Prestwood creates a full, yet sparce musical setting with his guitar. Price sullenly laments "Been alone a lot lately / Sometimes this house feels so lonely / Overheard someone leaving / You're a sad little girl / Your eyes red like a rose / Your hands bleeding and broke / I believe in time, time can heal all things / You're beautiful and damned." The delivery and the sheer nakedness of the lyrics are enough to make the most hardened linebacker well up. It's in these moments that DRAG THE RIVER's semi-obscurity seem downright criminal.
If DRAG THE RIVER purposely selected "It's Crazy" to be their label debut, then they hit the nail right on the head. Drag releases have sometimes been a bit uneven, but It's Crazy delivers on every track. At a concert in Minneapolis last year, I watched members of DROPKICK MURPHYS and BIG D AND THE KIDS TABLE admire DRAG THE RIVER with sheer awe in their faces. If these creative heavyweights realize the brilliance of DRAG THE RIVER, how long will it take before everyone else catches on?
