Jared Dustin Griffin is a Portland-based artist bursting at the seams with songs to share. Rather than drench new listeners with a style that needs some adjusting to, the chosen few for this debut album is a neatly packaged ten track selection requesting a brief half hour initial attention . BATTLE CRY MERCY rattles with emotion in the title and seeps through in a sound bristling with Americana vibes.
The unwrapping of Griffin's vocals sees erudite ears seeking similarities. A cross between Otis Gibbs and Ryan Bingham is a starting point where through the haze of gruffness simmering songs decorated in pleasing instrumentation emerge.
The album kicks off with 'My Name is Cannonball', a strong folk-like character song announcing the arrival of a distinctive sound. Now in the throes of being accustomed with the vocal tone, the rounder sounding 'Bleed You Away' ignites a greater uplifting appeal that belies some of the deeper issues. From its bitter sweet title 'Sweet Ol' Loneliness' comes across as a double edged sword where a milder tone conveys the focussing on mental challenges and how they can be addressed or hidden away from. Three songs in and both voice and impressive instrumental accompaniment are bedded in.
'Little Arrows' heralds a newly detected banjo inclusion as things lean in a more traditional sound direction. Things get almost as dark as you get without going the full distance in the mid-placed track 'Bottle on the Stove'. Survive this far and the rest is plain sailing.
The two aforementioned associated voices are nailed in the trio of tracks leading deep into the album's second half. The unmistakable Otis Gibbs likeness fills the airwaves in 'Hold My Troubles' as harmonica accompanies one of the slower songs with things getting unimaginably deeper. The association is strengthened in the mournful violin opening to lowly sinking 'Howlin'. We are now in the thick stirring territory of highly emotive song creation. A slight detour occurs from the first bars of the more upbeat 'Black and Gold' where the Ryan Bingham similarity rushes to the fore in a ditty number enhanced by lighter harmony vocals.
With the required mental stamina standing up, respite comes in the brighter outlook all round generated by penultimate number 'Outpost Blues'. The finishing post encompasses the essence of the album with 'Landmines' acting as a metaphor for life's problems, in this case falling in love in your late 30s. Wrapped around this closing song is an admirable soundtrack that powers proceedings well for the half hour.
A worn and weary sound has provided a sonic cloak around tough real world music for years. It embraces the narrative and plants the listener right at the heart of the artist's intentions. The intent of Jared Dustin Griffin appears to seek redemption and comfort in music. BATTLE CRY MERCY is full of stern content, yet retains a hint that some light will be forthwith. Niche to some but right on the mark for others.
