Crash World Release “So The Story Goes” LP

Thanks to Crash World duo Glen MacLeod and Graham MacDonald, there’s now So The Story Goes, a debut album from the group that adds a much-needed dimension to the country-rock, blues and jazz-infused genres. The band brings “the poetic whimsy of the ‘60s and the alluring boldness of the ‘70s with a refreshing contemporary flare” to audiences everywhere. A lot of these numbers take their time in evolving and this gives these tracks a slow burning vibe. I loved how there was absolutely no rushing in these songs as the band lets these tracks arrive and settle in on their own time. With 15-tracks and with a lot of these tracks over five-minutes this is a colossal effort, well-worth exploring for its polished and charming sounds.

 So The Story Goes gets started out with “Lucky One,” where a fiddle and acoustic guitar enter the sounds here for a mellow folksy, country vibe. Once the male lead vocals arrived, the sounds really came together. I was loving the sauntering feel to this track which definitely felt like a slow burn. Slowly, the charming sounds from the band work over you to give you this laid-back number with tons of earthy flavors. Some more acoustic guitar leans into “Radio” alongside a piano melody. The flavors of this song pointed to a more pop rock sound. I enjoyed every second of this number. More acoustic guitar arrives alongside some stirring strings on “Tail Lights Fade.” Next, a sauntering drumming beat arrives. The vibes felt very alternative with a touch of country. 

Finger-picking on the acoustic guitar reels in a very warm vibe on “Solsbury Hill.” Next, some strings come in and some combined vocal harmonies light up this song with its vulnerable and intimate sound. Horns, percussion and piano reels in a very lounge and jazz-infused vibe on “Before & After.” I thought the melody and harmonies were really delightful. This song felt very old school to my ears with a great classic sound that I loved. The male vocal harmonies arrive alongside some strings for a mysterious and enigmatic vibe on “Third Time’s The Charm.” This was another slow burning song that takes its time in unfolding. The music really carries for a moving sound. 

 The band goes all out in the romping “R ‘n’ R Queen A.D.” as they jam with energized verve. The lead male vocals are equally energized as he shouts out the lyrics with gusto. On “Sympathy For The Devil,” some moody strumming on the acoustic guitar comes in for a bluesy and spaghetti western feeling. Loving how gritty the song sounded. It was bursting with flavors as sax and guitar reels you in for a captivating bluesy sound. Some finger-picking on the electric guitars reels in a bluesy vibe filled with the male lead’s wailing vocals on “Cross Road Blues.” As he laments with feeling, listeners will be captivated by his gritty sound which closes the album. 

I think the duo’s sound here on this record is a huge indicator to how they would sound like in a live set. Their chemistry and rapport also point to what good friends these musicians are as they jam out in these country-bent concoctions that present to listeners something of the past and something of the present. I was impressed by the sheer beauty of these tracks as the players all contribute equally on these pieces. A rare and accomplished album and a definitely great introduction to their sound, I look forward to hearing more from them soon!

Zachary Rush