Saddle of Southern Darkness – “Compelled to Dig”

Saddle of Southern Darkness is an apt name for this group, as their sound is probably what you’d imagine – darkly narrative takes on twangy southern-rock and Americana, and done damn well. Based out of Denver, Colorado, the project formed last year by brothers Trent and Chase Williams, originally from Owensboro, Kentucky. A varied musical taste with an apprecation for everything from metal to country inspired their 9-song debut. Alongside upright bassist Mark Rossi, Saddle of Southern Darkness conjure up a grittily enjoyable sound throughout their new self-titled release, which can be streamed in full below.

“Compelled to Dig” is a great example of the project’s excitement; swift acoustics and a jangly lead complement the twangy vocals, reminiscent of Deer Tick’s John McCauley, as a series of impressive guitar plucking and melodic developments guide the track’s fast-moving bliss. Also, certain moments – like the progressions and vocal usage around 02:40 – are fondly reminiscent of Ariel Pink’s early acoustical journeys (“West Coast Calamities”). This track and others on the release show a stylistic confidence that will appeal to mostly any fans of Americana or twangy-infused story-laden goodness.