The Bluest Sky recently released their sophomore album, Raindancer. A woman performing a rain dance on the album cover and the album’s title do not represent someone who dances to conjure rain but rather someone who dances in the rain. That is, someone who dances no matter the weather. That sums up band leader and songwriter Chuck Melchin’s concept album.
Opening track “Battlefield” talks about dodging bullets, shields, shining armor, and leaving one’s sword on the field of honor. His world weary views, forlorn vocal delivery, and the grist of acoustic guitar strum and electric six string sensitivity create a sense of surrender, losing a battle, of moving on to other missions. It’s a universal feeling everyone has at one time or another and Melchin manages to make it feel personal.
“Girl From My Building” travels at a mid tempo pace. This allows Melchin’s breezy voice to move around more in the open spaces. It also lets Andy Santospago‘s lead guitar to whistle its way all over the groove and wherever it chooses to go. This song stands right up and shimmies just like a flag in a strong breeze. Its presence and its motions are tastefully and thoughtfully developed.
The gentle, down tempo “This Is What Poets Mean” finds Melchin following the less is more approach. His considerate pace and plaintive voice let him express vulnerability, insight, and acceptance. His vocal carries a strong punch with only acoustic guitar, shiny organ chords, and shimmering piano notes around him.
Rocking things up, “Skinny Lady” lets Melchin swagger vocally over a deliciously thick, crusty lead guitar push. That six string grinds out a sparking phrase as the rhythm section kicks like a mule. It helps that the groove is tight with the six string electric, creating a wedge of cool, rocking music. Melchin has just enough rasp in his vocal to make complete this feisty burst.
The mellow, contemplative “Crop Circles” finds the vocal approach and the instrumentation circling back on themselves, maintaining an involving air of melancholy. Melchin draws the listener in with his thoughtful lyrics and his sensitive delivery. Likewise, “The Weight Of Being,” a serious meaning of life song, benefits from easy going instrumentation. Here, acoustic guitar and banjo lines lace the sensitive song with a tasteful rustic flavor.
An ascension story, “6280 Feet” makes the listener feel its climbing muscle. Feisty electric guitar phrasing, tortured at mid tempo, and Melchin’s steady voice mount every motion onto the previous motion. A listener cannot help but feel the rise, and the nuggets of banjo spice it like bacon on a turkey sandwich.
“Queen Of The Sick Burn” is another rocker, grinding guitar phrase, tight rhythm section, and Melchin’s assertive rasp. From that raw, confident vocal to that grungy lead guitar sprint to the smacking rhythm section, this one is good highway cruising material.
Karen Goodlow’s circular run of drum fills keeps “The Circle” in motion. Above her pace, a lot of fun things unfurl. Melchin releases just enough vocal output at a time. Sweet, tinkling guitar turns edgy, winding around all. It’s impossible not to get involved with this song, especially as its elements speed up and dovetail toward the ending.
Close out track “Smuggling” bops the album to its finale. Goodlow puts a down swoop motion in her beat, leaving space for Dave Coleman’s bass wedge. Gary Goodlow lays out his electric guitar chords over that punchy groove, finding spaces to inject his edgy stride. Melchin bellows a bit more here, shout-singing some verses and more so at the end. It’s a swinging piece that swings around its looping drum beat as does its story. Nice touches.
Chuck Melchin and his friends recording as The Bluest Sky accomplish a lot on this Raindancer album. From the songwriting, vocal phrasing, lead guitar phrasing, acoustic strum all down to the individual notes, sustains, fills, this dandy just comes out of the stereo speakers just right. Alt country in New England will never be the same after everyone has had a chance to get into The Bluest Sky and their sophomore effort, Raindancer.
