Nathan Earl and Rachel Joy | photo via facebook.com/nathanearlandracheljoy
“Musical Love Partners” Nathan Earl and Rachel Joy run a range of sound on Repose
Nathan Earl and Rachel Joy call themselves “musical love partners” on Facebook. The duo based in the Philly burbs has an upcoming album, Repose, due out February 21, and it bring out a range of sounds, from gospel to indie-folk reminiscent of The City & Colour.
Opening track “Father of all Roads” includes a capella harmonies and a crystal-clear recording of soulful vocals blending with folk violin; the cymbal hits in this track echo resoundingly for what feels like ages. The single “Lay Down” – currently available for free download on Bandcamp – features Allebach soothingly singing “I take my eyes off the storm and place them right inside your doors,” punctuated with fierce kick drum beats.
“Atmosphere” is named appropriately, as it opens with a spacey sound and Rachel Moyer’s soft and delicate vocals. This track goes through several turns from experimental to pure rock ‘n roll riffs, which are juxtaposed throughout with Moyer’s voice. It works like magic.
The final track on the album, “Brighter,” opens with deepening piano chords and builds up through layers of aggressive violin. The bridge utterly transforms this track with an unexpected, heavier vocal delivery from Allebach. The entire album has an unpredictable energy that leaves you completely unsure of what to expect next. In cases like this, it usually either works or crashes and burns, but for Nathan Earl and Rachel Joy, it totally works, showing their ability to master writing music in a variety of styles.
The duo will plays a record release show at Chaplin’s in Spring City, February 21 with Pompton Lakes, Eunoia, and more. Tickets and information on the show can be found here.