Songs of the Folk - Sun-Scorched Land (2023)

‘Sun-Scorched Land’, the debut full-length album by Songs of the Folk, introduces listeners to the original work of A.T. and Lauren Cason, a folk Americana duo originating from Western North Carolina, but now residing in Essex. Songs of the Folk is a music duo formed by A.T. and Lauren Cason, based out of Western North Carolina, who perform original music that incorporates folk revival and roots-based elements within an elevated art form that focuses on lyrical content, innovative harmony, and unique instrumental techniques.

Drawing on their musical experiences and accomplishments from their previous band, Swamp Rabbit Railroad, they offer a polished blend of slick musicianship and creative storytelling, exploring classic folktale themes such as blind beggars, love and freedom.

Particular highlights of the album include the song ‘Jobandee’ and ‘A Feeling I Get’. ‘Jobandee’ tells an amusing tale of a local street singer, purportedly supporting a family of nine. The bluesy finger-picked guitar and the honky-tonk style piano meld beautifully, providing an eccentric and theatrical backdrop to the exuberant character of Jobandee. On the other hand, the track ‘A Feeling I Get’ offers a more sentimental love song, beautifully accentuated by the vocal harmonies of A.T. and Lauren Cason. The understated, single-note concertina solo also gives a suitably eerie nuance to the piece.

Overall, there is good variation to their themes and arrangements throughout the album, the instrumentation consistently bringing their rootsy subject matters to life. For fans of American folk and storytelling music; ‘Sun-Scorched Land’ is a contemporary yet timeless listening experience, filled with captivating and evocative stories.