By adding his Dark Pioneers (Brian Alter, Sam Collins, Lincoln Barr, Michael Spaly) to the mix Nathan Wade deftly transforms his "apocalyptic folk" into a damn fine set of alt/insurgent/REAL country.
Wade's obviously a talented song writer and the inclusion of a band just broadens the scope of his songs. Nathan clearly knows that the boundaries between county and blues (between roots music and roots music) is tenuous and artificial. As such he disposes of these borders on this EP's first track, "Sweat Through". If your a purist of some sort, I suggest you jump of this train now, because the songs pick up steam with the very next track "Cold, Cold Hands". The clamorous content continues with the high spirited (and very catchy) "Skoal Bandits".
But the band only has six songs to prove themselves with and damned if they're going to stay in one mode through out. I adore the haunted americana of "Long Black Lillies" not only is it a remarkably strong composition but it's flawlessly played. On this one piece Nathan Wade successfully moves from "apocalyptic" to "gothic". Well done.
I also really like the CD's cover. stylish and simplistic yet evocative of the music found inside.
This is a great lil' EP for anyone who loves roots/americana stylings but has no interest in Nashville "hat" music.
