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This is The Ashtray Hearts debut Cd on singer/songwriter Dan Richmond's own record label Free Election Records. While the band was originally a three piece a couple years back they have grown to six members which brings such a variety of instrumentation into their music such as: guitar, drums, piano, banjo, accordian and trumpet. This makes for a very unique sound and an amazing debut Cd. The Cd is full of beautiful storytelling in it's songs which are based mainly on love and the loss of it. A highlight of the Cd is the lonely aching vocals of Dan Richmond as well as the harmonies produced by the multiple number of singers in the band.
The opening track with it's horns reminiscent of Mojave 3 shows off some of the bands diversity in this brief track. Next up is one of the highlights of the Cd "Disaster" and it's great acoustic guitar opening with accordian and the final brilliant lyrics:
"The things I said a country ago don't count.
I'll take modest over modern, hope over faith.
I take comfort in the things that can't wait."
"The One You're Closest To" a sort of country waltz is just a delight to hear with electric guitar highlighted more on this song and with lyrics such as :
"It's easier to leave than be left behind.
I'm beginning to see you didn't intend to be so unkind.
I've considered putting my faith in doubt.
Now that it seems everything else is running out."
What beautiful desperation!
"Still Shaking" and it's gorgeous banjo opening wins you over right away, adding to that the trumpet, it's their very own unique blend of music. "Anyone's Guess" is my favorite track off the Cd and one of the best songs released this year with it's mellow electric guitar and accordian and the lyrics :
" I had a lot of time,
I heard a lot of truths,
I had a lot of miles I didn't use."
This song is a dream to lie back and absorb.
"Country Bar" is another of my favorite songs I've heard this year with it's lush acoustic guitar and accordian opening making a beautiful waltz together only to end the last minute in a lonely played keyboard. I love the lyrics :
"There's talk of coming home,
but it's too cold.
She's where the winters
aren't so bad.
The colors never leave."
The harmonies on "Spain" are the best on the album. The last cut "Watching Me Try" is another gem on the Cd with it's mix of acoustic guitar and keyboards and words like :
"Don't you believe
there's nothing better for me.
Aren't you tired of watching me try."
A beautiful lush acoustic album full of songs which are beautifully sung with Dan Richmond's lonely vocals. This Cd is one of the biggest surprises of the year to me. I love to just lay back on the couch and turn the volume up and absorb such beautiful desperation. The Cd is highly recommended by a band with a great future ahead of them.Go to: http://www.freeelection.org/html/media.html where you can hear a number of the stunning tracks off this Cd, you'll be drawn in for sure.
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