In these days where genre classification gets a bad press, some records are as pure as you can get and totally dismiss any thoughts of blurring styles. The Remittance Men toss around the term 'northern country', but spinning the delights of their debut album will raise the bar of Americana and challenge any other release to knock it off a perch of genre flagship. A striking title of SCOUNDRELS, DREAMERS & SECOND SONS is the launch pad for ten tunes to ram home the significance of a nation's ground dirt music and the prosperous songs that somehow flourish from the backyards, back roads and both side of the tracks.
The northern link in the 'official' suggested moniker displays the Massachussets base of a band literally jumbled together to hook up the vocals and songwriting of Tom Robertson and the producing/guitar playing skills of Andy Santospago. Ten original tracks either proved a step too far for this debut album or there was a compelling urge to include something by Tom Petty and local Boston artist Tim Gearan. The first of these in 'Gone South' needed little introduction, but the latter's 'Nobody' proved a new discovery and played a key role in closing an album that sowed its fertile seeds so productively from the off.
The key successes to this album resonating so clearly were its soul searching element, smart song writing and an earthy delivery underpinned by a sophisticated soundtrack. The songs had such a refined maturity about them that they came across as seasoned standards. The lyrics had you diving into the ether to find the origins to songs such as 'A Room in Birmingham, England 1919' and subtle references to places mentioned elsewhere. When the urge to delve deep into the words receded, you could just sit back and enjoy the story telling element and the rampant bouts of imaginary conveyed.
Any of the eight Robertson originals could randomly peak in subsequent listens. The piano, rousing waltz-like chorus and enticing harmonies of 'Widow's Walk' probably made it the most common pinnacle, although the draw of the lyrics and rough 'n' ready vocals made 'Lonely and Silent' another regular pick.
What makes any quality album a riveting listen is a top notch opening salvo and The Remittence Men struck gold with a meaningful straight out the traps delivery of the poignant story song '1973 (Life on the High Seas'). For a minor element of genre shuffle, a northern overcoat is exchanged for something a little warmer and southerly for 'Hacienda Santa Rosa'.
'Sweet Thunder' and 'Avery Hill' drive forward the record in its latter stages, whilst gliding on a higher plane elevated by the earlier tracks. Things get a little more expansive in the penultimate track, 'Lila Page 8', where Robertson temporarily steps aside for a co-vocalist to raise the tempo. A number of familiar names from the Massachusetts area were mentioned as contributors on the album such as Eilen Jewel, Kris Delmhorst and Mark Erelli. Yet it is the lesser known (at least here) Danielle Miraglia that makes her presence felt in this last but one track.
Everything about SCOUNDREL, DREAMERS & SECOND SONS makes this a sound to savour. From a magnetic and therapeutic feel to the gently rolling rhythm of seriously good musicians playing their nap hands, The Remittance Men have sprung up from nowhere as an entity to plant an x-factor release right at the heart of an Americana moment. Northern country is the starting point; reflecting a whole country is its destination.
