* Suggestion from Michelle Turlock-Isler *
I don't know when exactly electronic music became a thing, but the earlier iteration I can think of is the emergence of the industrial sound in the mid-seventies. I think it's a fair assumption that traditional styles of music wouldn't have evolved the way they did if they weren't confronted to new ways of making art. An artist such as Lincoln Durham could only have been created through the twist and turns folk music went through in the last couple decades. He released his latest album EXODUS OF THE DEEMED UNRIGHTEOUS in 2013, which mixes folks, blues and Southern Gothic tales with a mojo you just can't find anymore in the music business. Durham's the most interesting emerging folk artist you probably don't know yet.
Lincoln Durham's a one man band, which is both an impressive feat on its own and an important wrinkle in his musical philosophy. He doesn't have the luxury of writing complex music since he has to play every instrument, so he relies on clever arrangements in order to create standout music. The opening track Ballad of the Prodigal Son, for example relies on the quirky mix of bass drum and soulful chants in order to create a unique atmosphere. It's simple, but the stripped down quality puts the emphasis on Durham's voice and lyrics, and stands out from traditional folk by giving every instrument more breathing room than they actually need. Other great songs on the album relies on bass drum the same way: Beautifully Sewn, Violently Torn and Exodus Waltz, among others.
The restrain with which Lincoln Durham mixes traditional and electric sound is interesting. Because there is electric guitar in EXODUS OF THE DEEMED UNRIGHTEOUS. One of my favourite song on the album Sinner, which is by far the most alternative rock influenced on the album, almost only relies on guitar prowess and vocals. But electric guitar is an odd fit in Lincoln Durham music and he seems well aware of that fact. It comes in and out of his songs, sometimes discreetly using a slider in order to help it blend better. The juxtaposition of different music eras really is a theme of EXODUS OF THE DEEMED UNRIGHTEOUS and Lincoln Durham pulled it off without compromising the cohesiveness of his songs.
He looks the part, too. But I only found out afterwards.
EXODUS OF THE DEEMED UNRIGHTEOUS is a peculiar and versatile folk/rock/blues album that'll appeal to any music lovers who like their interpretations as soulful as they can get. It doesn't really have low moments, although I thought his ballads were a little too peaceful for my taste. I actually skipped them during my fourth and fifth spin of EXODUS OF THE DEEMED UNRIGHTEOUS, but it's only two songs: Keep on Allie and Mama. If you don't already know who Lincoln Durham is, consider giving EXODUS OF THE DEEMED UNRIGHTEOUS a spin right away. It'll do two things for you: 1) it'll make you boogie, because it's good music and 2) it'll make you look smart and sophisticated because not all that many people know who Lincoln Durham is, yet. Get on the bandwagon before you see him on some music awards show on television, because it's bound to happen.
Standout tracks: Ballad of the Prodigal Son, Beautifully Sewn, Violently Torn, Stupid Man, Exodus Waltz
Standout tracks: Ballad of the Prodigal Son, Beautifully Sewn, Violently Torn, Stupid Man, Exodus Waltz