Rich Ragany & The Digressions - What We Do (To Not Let Go) (2023)

After a two-year wait, we have the latest release from RICH RAGANY & THE DIGRESSIONS: What We Do (To Not Let Go). The band itself has members that come from a variety of different acts, including the likes of MALLORY KNOX, ROLE MODELS and DESPERATE MEASURES. With all that experience, it’s no surprise that they have their reputation as rock ‘n’ roll trailblazers. So how does that translate into the album?

The band kick things off with the title track that has an instant hook that leaves us feeling comforted with a nostalgic feeling. It’s something that would fit perfectly within a film, or TV series, that has themes related to coming of age and growing up. Furthermore, the harmonies are just stunning. And that’s an ongoing theme throughout the record where you’re in constant awe of the vocal harmonies which is further highlighted in the following track You’re My Way Back Home, a feel good song that features heavy influence from blues and country rock.

That’s another thing with the record in that goes from sounding like your standard rock ‘n’ roll record to having a strong country twang to it – not that it’s a bad thing, just stating some facts. Actually, some of those country inspired tracks are major highlights during the record. One More For The Train leaves you picturing a scene in a dive bar where a band performs this song, tied together nicely with a delicate section; Highgate Sun features different assortments from the percussion section that give it its own unique personality; while Pretty Breeze is an anthemic track that makes you want to get up and dance.

There are a few points, however, that we do need to criticise. Despite our praises for the harmonies, there are a few moments where the vocals come across as whiney – we’re looking at you, The End Of All Things. Furthermore, there’s a strange segment during One Last Thing To Prove where the vocals are mixed electronically and it feels so out of place on the otherwise decent track. But despite those examples this is still a very enjoyable record. Other stand-out moments include How Much Of Me Is You that has some aspects that even feel reminiscent of 90s nu-metal, and Forever Ghosts, a song that draws heavy resemblance to BIFFY CLYRO as an arena rock track with an incredible guitar solo.

Overall, What We Do (To Not Let Go) is a strong rock ‘n’ roll record despite a few complaints. As stated this would be perfect in the soundtrack for a coming of age or maybe even a western film where our characters learn valuable life lessons. It’s just a record that feels good and has many catchy hooks that intrigue you from the start.