The FBR - GHOST (2024) Hi-Res

One of a Kind and Very Special Alt. Country/Blues/Folk Hybrid. To all intents and purposes The FBR are Malarie McConaha and Tim Hunter, plus a band, with Malaria playing lead guitar and singing with Hunter – acoustic and harmonica while writing and arranging the songs.

The group name is from a 1970s Leonard Cohen song (“Famous Blue Raincoat”). It’s the focus of music by the team of Malarie McConaha & Tim Hunter. Their showcase dives into genres as diverse as Southern rock, blues, country & Irish styles. Influences are as wide as renowned artists John Prine, Guy Clark, Janis Joplin, Emmylou Harris & Steve Earle yet, they also mix it up with younger entities such as Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Lukas Nelson & others.

Their 9-haunting flirtations on Ghost feature an array of musicians throughout. The lead-off “Before I Drown” has the same crisp authority as the 60s team that was Richard & Mimi Farina. However, with this more modern take there’s an injection of rap that works well in the framework because it “feels” like it belongs & energizes it.

But the moment the resplendent vocal of Malarie starts “Rain On,” she goes into another realm entirely. There’s a little Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde) projection in the piece. Quite a wonderful way to synthesize grace & power. This is an excellent track. It has it all, folk, rock & it’s nuclear-powered like few songs produced today. Strap yourself in folks, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

From that cut to a more Amy Winehouse twist on “Empty Room,” with vocal succulence & a searing guitar solo soaked in the oils of the blues & saturated in a rich musical perfume. Malarie’s range comes from the same arc as the group 1994’s Karen Lawrence (“Once Again” & “Bring It Home”). These women are magnificent stylistic vocalists.

With country accuracy, the team of McConaha & Hunter dive in with a visceral punch from the guidebook of Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood (“Jackson”) & unleash their “Bottle of Blues.” From there it’s full-bore Delaney & Bonnie (“Comin’ Home”) with their “Deadman’s Highway.”