Nolan McKelvey & the civilian contemplation corps

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2005-10-10
Americana UK review

Nolan McKelvey & 33 “After the Roses”
1. (Independent 2005) Review by Jeremy Searle -AmericanaUK
Sparse, simple and seductive country. The thought of a solo album by a band’s bass player is often not one to gladden the heart. So it’s a somewhat unexpected pleasure to find Nolan McKelvey’s “After the Roses”. Late of Boston’s folk/country Benders, it’s his second album and a fine effort, in a generally, but not exclusively, languid and aching vein. The opening notes of lead-off track “Starry Eyed and Blue” recall Justin Rutledge with uncanny verisimilitude. There’s the same sparseness, the same slow, measured vocals, with just a hint of despair. And the opening line “The wind in the limbs sings hymns to you” reveal McKelvey to be a lyricist of similar skill. Using a sailing trip as metaphor for life, it’s a beautiful, slow building, hymnal song. There are more tracks in the same style, and to the same standard, scattered across the album (“After the Wine”, “Embers and Ashes”) but McKelvey doesn’t limit himself to just one thing. “Aim is True” is laced with dobro in true country style, while he does rather good country-pop too with “Fallin” and particularly “Sundress” (written by erstwhile bandmate Bow Thayer), whose chorus is as irresistible as anything you’re likely to hear any time soon. His music is simple and unadorned, with nods to classic Fifties country and bluegrass (The Benders forte), well produced (by McKelvey) and excellently played by various Boston scene luminaries and friends. www.nolanmckelvey.com



- Americana UK

Nolan McKelvey and 33
Nolan McKelvey
Those who follow Boston's thriving alt-country/folk music scene may be well aware of Nolan McKelvey's estimable talents as a member of the band The Benders, but the rest of the country ought to recognize the name with the release of his first solo album.
Back in Arizona after his four-year stint in New England, McKelvey's finally establishing himself as a solo artist. With a voice somewhere between Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman and Pinmonkey's Michael Reynolds, McKelvey's 12 tracks range from an atmospheric, brooding O'Kanes' sound to something straight out of the Burrito Brothers' book of early country rock.
There's catchy, upbeat cuts like "Cheers to the First Snow," which old fans from his early stomping grounds in Flagstaff, Ariz., will relate to and solid honky tonk numbers like "Step Out."
The album bears a simplicity in both its recording and McKelvey's songs. It's easy to get to know his music, and once it becomes familiar, it's like finding a new friend.
- Rick Bell

- Country Standard Time