Dee Calhoun’s “Old Scratch Comes to Appalachia” is a captivating musical journey that delves into the realms of darkness and corruption. The album, accompanied by a book of devilish novelettes, weaves a haunting tale of the dark one traveling through the Appalachian region, collecting souls and blurring the lines between good and evil.
From the very first notes, the instrumentation transports you to the backwoods of Appalachia, creating a chilling atmosphere that perfectly complements the narrative. Dee Calhoun employs a range of unconventional stringed instruments like the shovel guitar, cigar box guitars, and banjo, which add a raw and gritty texture to the music. These unique sounds enhance the album’s authenticity and evoke a sense of foreboding throughout.
The collaboration with animator Troy Darr and Chaos Cartoons adds an exciting visual dimension to the project. Seeing Dee’s story come to life through animation amplifies the overall experience and further immerses the listener in the dark tale being told.
With ten songs featured on CD1 of the two-disc set, Dee Calhoun showcases his songwriting prowess and storytelling abilities. The compositions on “Old Scratch Comes to Appalachia” are a reflection of the artist’s creative output during the COVID lockdowns, resulting in a collection of tracks that bear the weight of solitude and introspection. Each song stands on its own while contributing to the overarching narrative, drawing the listener deeper into the web of Old Scratch’s exploits.
Notably, bassist Louis Strachan and percussionist Rob Calhoun, who also takes the lead vocals on two tracks, join Dee on this musical odyssey. Their contributions provide a solid foundation and dynamic energy that elevate the album’s sonic landscape.
The release of “Old Scratch Comes to Appalachia” by Argonauta Records on CD and digital platforms is accompanied by the simultaneous launch of Dee’s book, “Old Scratch Comes to Appalachia (four devilish novelettes),” via Kindle Direct Publishing. This synchronicity allows fans to immerse themselves fully in the dark and captivating world Dee Calhoun has created.
In conclusion, “Old Scratch Comes to Appalachia” is a mesmerizing album that not only showcases Dee Calhoun’s musical talent but also demonstrates his skill as a storyteller. The combination of evocative instrumentation, atmospheric production, and captivating narrative ensures that listeners will be enthralled from start to finish. This album is a testament to the power of music and its ability to transport us to otherworldly realms.
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Released by ARGONAUTA Records on June 23, 2023
Music source for review – Grand Sounds PR
