|
|
McClain, The Ivy EP, 2008 (self-released, Indie)
The debut EP from Nashville-based Folk Rock/Americana group McClain — The Ivy EP — is an outstanding 6-song collection reminiscent of singers/songwriters Ryan Adams, Shawn Mullins, and (for those who remember) the haunting vocals of Jack O'Neill (from Jackopierce). Having moved to Nashville from Los Angeles less than one year ago, McClain is the husband and wife team of Travis and Lindsay McClain, and they are quickly capturing the attention of some of Nashville's best musicians and producers. The Ivy EP contains six gems that are masterfully produced by the young Mike Odmark. Although a duo, Travis sings the lead vocals while Lindsay delivers pitch-perfect harmonies. There's a heavy dose of hill country-influenced melancholy in songs like "The Reckoning" and "High School Football" as well as a few nostalgic folk-pop songs à la Mindy Smith with "Home," "Growing Old," and "Central Park." But it's the closing track "Nobody Town" that betrays McClain's brilliance. Here, drawing on the closely guarded escapist longings held by many hard-working Americans who struggle to maintain a semblance of an identity, Travis McClain delivers a haunting vocal performance nestled within minor keys and hill-country sounds that evoke images of dusty (and empty) old ghost-towns. "Nobody Town" holds deeper existential layers of meaning that will appeal to any human being who thinks. Fans of Ryan Adams will approve, fans of Johnny Cash will certainly approve, and fans of good music will love McClain. The Ivy EP is one of the strongest debut EPs I've heard from a Nashville-based artist. McClain will perform a full-band set at The Rutledge in Nashville for the official CD release on May 15, followed by a string of tour dates in the summer and fall in support of the record. Get the EP, and go see McClain when they perform in your area—these two are the real deal. — Vincent Wynne, April 25, 2008
|
