Songs which respect tradition without being bound by it, this is American folk at its best.
On first listen you might assume that ‘Eurydice’ which opens “American Mythology” was the product of an English folk duo. But there is a strand of “American-ness” running through that and the 13 other songs on the album which sets it apart from anything produced this side of the Atlantic. ‘Eurydice’ has an otherworldly feel which suggests a Southern Baptist influence.
By the time we get to ‘Appaloosa’ their sound is clearly established. They say that this is “a song about falling in with someone you believe is far better than you. The main character sees themselves as a screw up in a lot of ways, but they know that their partner makes them a better person.” Borrowing elements from bluegrass as well as folk and country this is a song which worms its way into your head very easily. The writing is uniformly excellent. ‘Family Name’ and ‘Milliner’s Daughter’ would be highlights of many artist’s albums but are just a few amongst many riches here.
‘Meet Me In Memphis’ is where Dale Chapman and Cody Clark’s vocals blend most effectively (other than the unaccompanied ‘Eurydice’) and has a more sombre feel thanks to the bass which is right at the top of the mix. ‘Growing Pains’ is another more English-styled tune, and along with the preceding ‘High Wire’ allows Chapman to shine. The possessor of a clear, pure tone, they have a voice that was made for just this sort of narrative folk song. ‘Lazarus’ could have been the product of bands like Fotheringay, or some incarnations of Fairport Convention. Again, the song itself and the presentation are as good as anything from higher-profile groups.
‘Married in Savannah’ is more of a folk pop piece, “grounded in the context of Southern religion, the song offers rich details about the chapel’s blue stained glass and the groom “shining like his family name.”” ‘Bargain With The Moon’ is another more accessible song, this time with a more definite Country slant, while ‘Kingston Pike’ is the most ambitious arrangement on the album. But they produce here and throughout the album a consistent tone to the music, despite some varied material. The connecting points being the mix of Chapman and Clark’s voices whether in harmony or separately they have a distinctive sound.
Their website tells us that “whatever the topic, the songs shine with restrained arrangements and entwined harmonies. This duo tells stories so well that there’s no need to cloak them with heavy-handed production or vocal processing. Instead, Haunted Like Human lets the humanity shine through.” And that’s hard to argue with. This is an understated album, which may lead to it being overlooked in some quarters. That would be a mistake as it is a set of songs written played and sung with a quiet passion for delivering their work, and it deserves to find an audience.
