Shane Smith & The Saints (from the album Norther

Shane Smith & The Saints (from the album Norther

Shane Smith & The Saints (from the album Norther available on Geronimo West Records/Thirty Tigers)  (by Bryant Liggett)
The sonics of Norther feature a spot where diverse styles exist, and where, influentially, all sounds are invited. Never over-produced with a polished ambush, Shane Smith & The Saints leave the slickness at the door. What you will find is Gothic Folk and Psychedelic Roots, with a dash of Rock and oh-so-subtle Country; the latest release from Shane Smith & The Saints, Norther, even finds the Austin, Texas-based band welcoming what could be considered ‘the Denver Sound’, where experimental Post Punk rubs elbows with an aggressive Paisley Underground. Perhaps that sound isn’t just for the mile-high city.
Drifting ambience settles into a direct delivery on the opener in “Book of Joe”, which then meanders into the powerful, mid-tempo “Fire in the Sky”. “Adeline” is a ballad ripe for modern Rock radio although better suited (like the whole album) for left of the dial living.  “Wheels” is a crying in your, beer two stepper and “It’s Been A While” is flat out lonely. While the aforementioned cut is fiddle-less, much of that said loneliness comes via singular fiddle, a standout instrument that’s the star of “Navajo Norther” and “1,000 Wild Horses”.
Slickness is over-rated, and life is sometimes a sputtering car kicking down a rutted road. From the stacking of the instruments to Smith’s gruff vocal delivery, Norther is rough around the edges Roots Rock that score your sometimes sad drama. (by Bryant Liggett)
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