The Bridge City Sinners - Here's To the Devil

 

Per what I'm seeing on the interwebs, this BCS album was released in 2019, although the accompanying photo appears to be the same band as on their 2016 (?) debut, and the singer, Libby, appears practically Amish as opposed to her current, heavily tattoo'd and scantily clad image. At least two of these songs, "Laugh While You Can" and "Satan's Song", are from that album, as well, although without doing a side-by-side comparison, I tend to think that these are new versions. Considering how little information they provide on their sites, it seems to be pretty easy to be confused about what's going on with this wacky, demonic combo! 

Although this combo is acoustic, they are by no means laid back, as evidenced in their intro, "Kreacher", a vicious tale of murder, fiercely delivered, although the melody is certainly influenced by a nameless older tune (nameless cuz I can't think of it!). "Virgin Sacrifice" continues the fast pace, with interesting half-step, minor key changes and haunting violin and practically death metal backing vocals! The aforementioned "Laugh While You Can" is a fun pirate-themed romp, "Song of the Siren" is a waltz-like number with a fine melody, although Libby occasionally falls into an unmelodic growl or yowl, and "Through and Through" is a catchy, Americana-ish number with melodic nods to the likes of "St. James Infirmary", a cool, gypsy-ish violin solo, and a neat acapella breakdown.

You'll recognize the creepy-crawly intro to "Run From the Sun" as it turns into a old school/old country/croony/jazzy boppin' number with hip melodies, "Ashes" has intricately flowing lines and harmonies, "Witches' Wrath" is again kind of a sea chanty-styled rant against religious hypocrisy (I think!) with more terrific fiddlin', "Here's to the Devil" is basically a half minute of manipulated, spooky vocalizing and the closer, "Satan's Song", is from their debut, and is just a minute and a half itself, but nicely written and performed, with more crooning than growling to the vocals. There is an uncredited bonus track with one of the gents singing to a sparse banjolele backing - actually a really fine change of pace and a good tune!

Besides Libby, the line up here - per the ever trusty internet - is Michael Sinner on resonator guitar, Scott Michaud on upright bass, Hunter Rukstad on banjo, Jesse Payne on acoustic guitar, and Lightnin' Luke on fiddle - all solid rhythm-makers leaving most of the soloing to Luke's strings. Their schtick is almost getting to the point where they'll need to take a break, but what do I know - I've done schtick bands, as well and people do like a good schtick! In any case, the songs and performances carry you past the enforced silliness and keeps you listening. They're a fun live band too - check 'em out!

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