The Unwieldies - A Survivors Guide for the Bleeding Heart

 

OK, anyone who has read this blog knows that the Unwieldies are some of our better friends in town, besides being Vegas' premier acoustic act, so you know that I'm going to rant'n'rave about any release of theirs. This one has been percolating for a number of years due to the plague so I was more than pleased to finally get a copy after hearing some of these tunes for quite some time in their live act.

After some changes in personnel over their first few years, the band now seems to have a pretty steady lineup with Dani and Rob (guitar and bass) and longtime cohort Jack (violin) accompanied compellingly by Richard (dobro) and Eric (banjo). In the studio they added a few touches with the All-Togethers' wonderous cellist, Brenna, and Willie Farris contributing on several instruments.

Opening with Danielle's title track (although all tracks are credited to "Bell/Unwieldies" - with the exception of Richard's "The Likes of Which" - I have some inside info on who came up with the initial ideas, anyway), her strong voice'n'melody is ably backed by the guys for a alt-folk kinda vibe, followed by another one of Dani's, "Sometimes The Bull Wins", a more upbeat, almost bluegrass-ish number (as much as you can pigeonhole their unique sound) with soaring vocals and an exceptional and very different banjo solo.

"Indifferent" accentuates the terrific vocal interaction between Danielle and Rob, with Rob's more earthly tones balancing out Danielle's ethereal sweetness, which is a good contrast for Rob's somewhat more cynical, world-weary lyrics. "Friends, Folks and Foes" has been one of the highlights of their live shows for quite a while now, with its great melody, timing and fine playing from everyone, especially Richard's nice dobro solo. Rob takes the lead vocals for "She", a pure love song from Rob, with Dani doing some sweet intertwining/harmonizing and there's an excellent, haunting, reverbed guitar solo from guest Willie Farris, giving the proceedings a David Lynchian feel. Richard's "The Likes of Which" has more vocal synergy between R&D, a compelling melody, and upbeat backing, making it a optimistic sounding song about the pandemic (I believe)! 

"Intimidating the Witness" has more strong lead vocals from Rob with excellent harmonizing (natch) from Dani as they tell a tale of a "heavy" who does what needs to be done - a classic Rob Bell noir storyline, while in "Fine", they flip roles with Dani on lead and Rob doing some hip intertwining, as Dani does her best to convince herself'n'others that she is, indeed, "fine". My favorite new Unwieldies tune is definitely "Grim Hymns For Her" - kind of a waltz rhythm behind an excellent melody (more dual/harmonizing vocals) and lyrics mixing threats of suicide with love - something kinda familiar about the tune, but altogether original and gripping - there's just something about this one that sticks with me.

Willie Farris (I assume) joins again with some excellent Ry Cooder/Rockabilly-ish electric guitar work for "No Secrets Here" that also has intricate vocal work and fun wordplay, Rob's "Hell's Belle" is another fable filled with guilt'n'sex'n'infidelity while the closing "Mal" is a heartfelt and sadly sung ode to Dani's departed mother with Brenna Lee adding appropriately morose cello while everyone else backups with finesse'n'feeling.

As always, I wish that lyrics were included, as both Rob'n'Dani give a fine turn of phrase, but you will have to catch the nuances on your own as you enjoy the terrific musical backings. Another wonderful acoustic offering from these fine folks.