I’d imagine that the time South Carolina’s Mel Washington spent with his former band All Get Out is what laid the foundation for his solo work. After all, one doesn’t spend months out of the year writing and recording music, touring rigorously and pouring everything into their art without having grown in the process. After releasing multiple EPs and singles, Washington continues to make a name for himself with his latest effort Houses, an impressive album planted firmly in its Southern roots.
Washington wastes no time in making a statement on the fantastic “Whiskey Bent,” a song that can only come from those rough nights on the road. It’s a monster of an opening, with Washington’s soulful voice sailing over rugged guitar riffs. When it comes to his songwriting, Washington is something of a chameleon. Just when you think you have him pegged at the first track he spends the next eight further showcasing his versatility. Sure, “Whiskey Bent” and “We’ve Been Driving” prove that he can write arena-ready rock anthems, but Mel is never content to stick to one particular style, constantly upping the ante. The multi-instrumentalist expertly utilizes the many tools at his disposal, including slick banjo licks and breathtaking violin chords which paint a beautiful yet heartbreaking picture of lost love on “Come Back” while the harmonica and acoustic guitar are the focus on the brilliant “Caroline, West Virginia.”
Some listeners might feel a little mislead by the intro track, as the rest of the album goes through numerous tonal shifts before reaching its conclusion. However, with an open mind and unbiased ears you’ll be hard-pressed to find a collection of songs as rich and full of raw emotion as those found on Houses.
Rating: A-
Top Pick(s): “Whiskey Bent,” “Come Back,” “Woe Is Me”
Leave a Reply