The sophomore release Carry Me Home by Venice, CA’s Zachary Lupetin and his band Dustbowl Revival is 11 tracks that range from a handful of time-tested standards from the 20’s, 30’s and earlier. Instead of rehashing these gems, Dustbowl Revival re-imagines and adds instrumental enhancements that give life to the songs’ character. Highlights include: the gospel hymn “Swing Low” which begins with hushed harmonies and gradually flows into a stirring spiritual; a rambunctious cover of the gospel call and response classic “John The Revelator”; and the Civil War era “Soldier’s Joy” transformed from a forlorn song into a boot-stomping, hand-clapping barn burner. Other tracks follow suit, with doo-wop, Dixieland, jug band, and ragtime. Carry Me Home captures a sound that taps tradition while not being boxed in and always keeping things sounding fresh. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Curtis Eller’s American Circus, Pokey LaFarge, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Luke Winslow-King