Whiskey N’ Rye: “Sick Soul Summertime” – high-energy blues-based rock with intelligent and original lyrics

In this age of one-and-done disposable artists, Whiskey N’ Rye continues to make great music. Philip Lindholm just gets better and better as a songwriter, and the current lineup consisting of Philip Lindholm: Vocals & Guitar, Carson Dent: Drums, Greg Pascale: Guitar, Alex Atwood: Bass and Marco Longo: Keys, has really gelled into a tight unit.

Whiskey N’ Rye are about to release their sophomore album, “Sick Soul Summertime”, where they dish out rock, blues, roots and soul-driven tunes, succeeding impressively. The good news is that on this release the band’s original sound is completely intact, notwithstanding some member changes from their previous release. All the new members have done, is literally add fuel to the already brightly burning fire. And quite frankly the band has never sounded tighter.

This album in particular, has so much range. It’s a statement of what Whiskey N’ Rye sees and is able to capture musically. The guitar-harmonica trade-offs is cool on so many levels – the sound, the attitude, the energy. The reason I enjoy this band so much is because, no matter where they seem to land their collective inspiration, it falls in a place that is timely and aligned with some inexplicable vibe that I feel too. Maybe it’s just what happens in my life but, more likely it is the way that Whiskey N’ Rye evolve – doing what they want to do and reflecting their experiences in the music.

The songs on this collection run the gamut of subject matter and style, and of course Lindholm has pulled out another gem with the first single and title track off the album, “Sick Soul Summertime”, a smoking arrangement of a left-field, rock and blues crossover. Yet for me, great as it may be, this is not the best track on the album…not by a long shot. Instead, almost everything that comes immediately afterwards is! From track 4 onwards, namely “You Shook Me All Night Long” to “Scene Unseen”, “Laid To Waste”, “Down Lonely Girl”, “Saving Grace” and “At The Graveside” are in a category apart. These standouts feature a large supply of ballads, which are strong and dramatic slow-burners, handcrafted for Philip Lindholm’s ever-emoting vocal chords.

As I explained before, the whole album speaks to me. But these specific songs are those rare occasions when you simply connect with the artist on every metaphysical level.

Blues-rock influenced music tends to favor musicianship first and foremost, and then occasionally you’ll find a band that is also willing to push the field in new directions. Whiskey N’ Rye is surely concerned about moving their sound into the future, with outstanding songwriting, awe-inspiring musicianship and vocals. They manage to sound both high-flying and respectably unpretentious at the same time.

This is high-energy blues-based rock with intelligent and original lyrics, together with unexpected and sophisticated chord changes. “Sick Soul Summertime” is a powerful addition to any real music lover’s library.

More About Whiskey N’ Rye : The band formed in 2013 and quickly became known for its explosive live shows, touring nationally at some of the best clubs and festivals around. Their debut album – a fusion of blues, rock, and Americana – has been picked up by over 200 radio stations across the country, as well as widely popular television shows and networks. Buzz now surrounds the band, whose online following has swelled to over 35,000 people.

OFFICIAL LINKS: Artist Website – Pre-Order Album – Facebook – Twitter – Youtube