Old Crow Medicine Show – Remedy

In modern music country seems to be taking a back seat, so to be hearing an album dedicated purely to it is refreshing to hear.

There’s a high energy carried throughout that’s sure to get listeners bobbing along and dancing to the country instrumentals, full of typical banjo. The first few tracks are very lively, and it is hard not to enjoy the energetic sounds of 8 Dogs 8 Banjos.

Yet moments of tenderness are shown, which gives this album a wonderful country feel. Sweet Amarillo is a song for everyone, and perhaps one of the best of this collection for its reflective lyrics and brooding tones. This is continued in slower songs, such as Dearly Departed Friend, which offers a chance to reflect on one’s experience and past mistakes, ultimately providing depth to an album that could easily be lost among the lively, country production.

While it can be argued that country music simply doesn’t have an impact in modern music nowadays, the songs offered on this album is sure to fight these claims. You simply do not know what to expect as you listen to every song: some, such as Brave Boys, set pulses racing. Music should be something that allows listeners to escape from, or relate to, their problems, and the rawness from this album does so.

Stand-out song is arguably O Cumberland River, which is heavier than the other offerings: this album is not one dimensional, and is more than just a mere country record. Yet whether listeners will see beyond this is another question.

Lauren Shean

Remedy was released on 27^th June 2014. For further information or to order the album visit Old Crow Medicine Show’s website here.

Watch the video for Sweet Amarillo here: