Souvenir's Young America - Split Single
[Perpetual Motion Machine]

In an interview on these very pages last year, Souvenir’s Young America discussed their blossoming hometown music scene and this split vinyl release offers an interesting snapshot into what Richmond, Virginia has to offer. Souvenir’s Young America themselves, who you may remember from last years mammoth “An Ocean Without Water”, weigh in with two colossal compositions, the pick of them being “The Lonely Death of John Butler Train”. A tribute to protest musician Phil Ochs, a well-known anti-war and civil rights campaigner, that sadly developed a mental illness and alcoholism before committing suicide in 1976.

Picking up from where they left off, SYA deliver chunky riffs, thundering drums and basslines with all the depth of black holes. This instrumental number, also featuring psychedelic swirls, electronic pulses and forlorn Morricone harmonica, is a beguiling mix of styles and soulful, ground-shaking grooves. Simply put, there are very few bands around right now that fuse such differing elements and make it all work so cohesively.

It is clear that City of Ships vocalist Eric Jernigan is cut from a classic rock cloth. He is in the possession of one of those gravel-toned voices that reminds of Corrosion of Conformity’s Pepper Keenan and, at times, Eddie Vedder. Musically this three piece sway between tranquil Floyd-esque soundscapes and behemothic distortion. While nothing particularly ground-breaking, the contrast between the peaceful ambience of the verse and the growling grunge of the chorus will certainly raise your heart rate a good few beats per minute.

Tracklisting:

1. The Lonesome Death of John Butler Train
2. Tyrant for Tyrant
3. Prevailing Winds
4. Trade Winds