Morgan’s Road – Topics of Love
Morgan’s Road – Topics of Love
LABEL: SCECTRA RECORDS
Band members include: Ben Woodruff – Vocals/Acoustic Guitar, Tyler Perry – Drums/Vocals, Cameron Allen – Guitar/Vocals, Matt Chmielecki – Bass, Justin Banks – Keyboard/Percussion.
Multi-talented 5 piece band “Morgan’s Road” is plowing a row for themselves as a hot running band out of Charleston, SC in a field where having a unique and distinctive sound is becoming increasingly uncommon. A talented group of players, this is one band that blend naturally with the rich instrumentation and the songs are imbued with a classic feel reminiscent of new modern-day fusionist bands like O.A.R., Blues Traveler
Rusted Root, and Dispatch. Lyrics inspired by ordinary experiences, nature, and an adventurous spirit. CD was released in 2014.
On “Topics of Love” their latest and greatest release, Woodruff and company serve up what I can only describe as feel good mood music. It has flavorings of instrumental folk, pop, and a jazzy Americana blues feel, but, perhaps surprisingly the primary focus is striped down Acoustic based Pop-Rock. Early track “Stay” and “Love Song” have an elegant journeyman’s feel, becoming almost hypnotic in places. The rock-folk-blues textures of this band are especially evocative. “Topics of Love “ doesn’t necessarily have a short but sweet structure, lending it more of an extended play format of straight folk-blues-rock feel, but it could hardly be called pop when it’s built around Woodruff and his guitar at the sonic center. Vocally Woodruff reminds me of and Dave Matthews and at times Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Pepers). The music reminds me of Tom Waits, Corey Crowder and Cry Cry Cry. While my favorite piece “Love Song” and “Turn Me On” are as smooth as cognac. Some tracks have a particularly steady-thrumming bass line that adds firmness and tension “Sugar On Your Lips.” All songs are a glory-full return to soul-rock-singer bright-core-songwriter with a stuttering rhythm section underpinning some terrific work from all involved. Morgan’s Road are one band who has played numerous shows around the region. This is his latest outing and a great pickup if you’re either in a mellow mood or looking to instill a mellower one. While this is music you could work or play to, it’s most suited to simple contemplation. Its might just be the perfect CD to brighten up your day on those rainy days up there. It will defiantly get you going. Isn’t that something we could all use a little more of in our lives. Latham sets it – all to well.
The Bottom Line: “Topics of Love” from Morgan’s Road is well-suited for audiences that enjoy all the typical conventions of full tilt pop-Americana and more. Even slight elements of Singer/Songwriter mood music and earthy Jazzy pop. Expect great things from this band as their cult fanbase gets established along the East coast and beyond. I feel there’s a disgruntled audience out there just waiting for them to arrive with open arms.
Listen to song samples – https://www.reverbnation.com/morgansroad
– Ruthy Coleman. Approved by Cyrus Rhodes