Baby They Told Us We Would Rise Again
SCI Fidelity Records
By Eileen Tilson
“Let’s take a road trip, its been a while…” swoons Daniel Hutchens on the the final track of Bloodkin’s latest studio album, Baby They Told Us We Would Rise Again. Recorded in their hometown of Athens, this is the band’s seventh studio album. Produced by David Barbe (Bettye LaVette, Drive By Truckers, Sugar), and released on SCI Fidelity Records, the album serves as some of the band’s finest work, reiterating their unique ability to craft songs as close to southern literature never recorded.
As the songs unfold chapter by chapter to reveal the 30-year musical friendship of founding members Daniel Hutchens and Eric Carter, it's clear that this band has stuck together through thick and thin. This album captures the nuances of humanity. Not as steeped in the southern gothic tradition as the Drive-By Truckers and more song-focused than Widespread Panic, Baby They Told Us We Would Rise Again confirms Bloodkin’s position as the Pied Piper of the second coming of Southern Rock. The subtle guitar interplay and whiskey-soaked harmonies accented by tasteful B3 organ prove that these guys are true musicians. In addition, Drive-By Truckers’ Mike Cooley and percussionist Todd Nance from Widespread Panic play on opening track “The Viper,” a confession of soul-swapping with the devil.
Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood reflects in the liner notes the belief that Bloodkin fans have held for years: “This is music reflecting not just the pain and suffering that accompanies life but also the love and beauty that hopefully fights for it’s rightful place alongside it. Life affirming Rock and Roll in the finest tradition. This is music to LIVE with and it don’t get any better than that…”
Bloodkin play with Turtle Folk at Smith's Olde Bar on March 28. Buy tickets here.
