Are you ready for some "haunting Appalachian Americana" with Gothic southern roots. If so, 'Stripped Down Gussied Up' may fit the bill with its earthy songs of rage, love, murder, loss, and rebirth.
Piece Edens' fifth album was recorded in his studio in Western North Carolina and, as the title suggests, the eleven track album features unfussy but fiery arrangements for vocals, percussion, and guitar.
Edens is accompanied by long time band-mate Kevin Reese on lead guitar, mandolin, and occasional banjo.
His singing style has been unflatteringly described by Fred Mills in Blurt Magazine as a "twisted, tortured vocal bray". As a result he even makes a song about Daffodils ("pretty little things") seem like a cause for regret and the closing song (It's Alright, It's All Wrong) is about as close as he gets to lightening up.
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The back to back tunes The Bonfire and Body make for a powerful centrepiece and while there isn't much scope for variety the raw sound has enough authentic edge to suggest a primal struggle between sin and redemption.
Pierce Edens' website
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