Lee Harvey Osmond - A Quiet Evil
To be honest, a band labelled as ‘Americana roots’ doesn’t normally inspire me to rush out to buy their music, unless they are well known to me as a blues artist. Don’t be fooled. It’s only a label, though not one that I would use to describe such an innovative band. A better description of the music would be ‘acid folk’, a term used on the band’s own website.
The artist collective known as ‘Lee Harvey Osmond’ was formed in Toronto with frontman Tom Wilson, an accomplished guitarist/vocalist, leading the pack. The musicians that were brought together are all outstanding in their own right, resulting in a technically brilliant piece of work.
The album opens with ’The Love Of One’; a steel pedal guitar playing over a hypnotic drum rhythm before the deep tones of Tom Wilson join in. The song winds its way along before a harmonica wails. There is no escape, they have your soul. Chunky, echoed electric guitar chords introduce ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’. A second haunting sound with an amazing alto sax solo over a great brass rhythm. The song is not just accomplished, it also has clever lyrics; a song that mentions Madonna, Sonny Liston and Elvis in the chorus does make you sit up and listen. The more up-tempo ‘Queen Bee’ is next and begins as though a country music song was starting up. Not until the vocals and guitar kick in you realize how totally wrong you can be. It does have a country feel, but much, much darker; almost hypnotic. ‘Blades Of Grass’ has a haunting air about it. The whispering vocals and the distorted guitar paint a very somber mood; you just can’t help being thoroughly immersed in the spell.
‘I’m Going To Stay That Way’ again begins with a ‘country music’ feel. The vocals are again almost whispered and the addition of a female tone make this their most traditional ‘country music’ song on the album. Having said that, the track is still very good and enjoyable. Another change of mood and tempo with ‘Lucifer’s Blues’. The track begins with some spoken lyrics which is then followed by the chorus which is actually sung. The story continues in such a laid back manner; great mood, great sounds. The album continues with ‘Parkland’ which is a more up-beat sound altogether. The gentle vocals and the band drive this along so well. There is some memorable distorted guitar throughout; it all fits together so well. Next, ‘Summer Girl’ brings the mood right down (in a good way of course). Another haunting track. The melancholic ‘Angels In The Wilderness’ follows and is a classic haunting track. The addition of the female vocals really enhances the feelings that are pouring out of the speakers. The album comes to it’s finale with the upbeat ‘I Can’t Stand It’. A catchy song which is an opportunity for the band to let loose. I should imagine that they would finish their live set off with this one, leaving the audience baying for more.
This group of musicians is unique and the haunting moods they produce leave you intently hanging on every note. The sound they produce is so addictive.
Listen to this album with an open mind and no pre-conceived ideas; you’ll be hooked. The only problem is that it’s not a double or even a triple album. I just can’t get enough of it.