The Felice Brothers – Undress
Yep Roc – 3 May 2019
Music, one of our greatest achievements, is by definition free-flowing, transcending all boundaries. But the music industry in its infinite wisdom loves to label and sub-label its “product” to death. In the cold, calculated world of marketing, “Americana” all too often amounts to little more than a collection of tourist clichés, all sparkling guitars, twangy banjos and nasal drawl, playing and singing songs about a mythical American frontier.
Whilst the Felice Brothers music falls squarely within the ‘Americana’ genre; they don’t sing songs about golden fields, vast skies and flaxen-haired maidens. They are a band that very much live in and sing about the here and now, even if their sound is rooted in traditions.
The formation of the band is the stuff of legend now, brothers Ian and James Felice (and formerly Simone), two self-taught musicians from Hudson, NY, went from busking on NYC subway platforms to touring the world. Joined here by Will Lawrence (drums) and Jesske Hume (bass) Undress is their third album.
Cut live to tape; this album showcases a tightly knit band kicking the jams in the studio, as evidenced right off the bat by the title track which opens the album. The song starts as an atmospheric ballad then steadily picks up steam, ending in a raucous anthem complete with David Sanborn-esque wailing saxophone, showcasing the impressive dynamic range this band is capable of. Lyrically it’s also a fitting opening statement as it lists a laundry list of people and things urged to, literally and figuratively, undress. “Democrats and Republicans, even Evangelicals…Caesars of Wall Street…Exploitation, genocide…Bank of America, Kelly Ann,…undress”. Put your cards on the table, America.
This album is a treat both musically and lyrically. Songwriter Ian Felice is a skilled wordsmith, and his lyrics are full of twists and turns, unexpected metaphors and biting commentary reminiscent of Dylan at his most vitriolic. Like Dylan in his day, Ian is not afraid to tackle the sad and turbulent state of US politics today. ‘Special Announcement” is a scathing, albeit deliciously sarcastic, an indictment of the legalised corruption and naked lust for power that passes for politics in 2019.
‘Nail it on the First Try’ is a chillingly dark ballad worthy of Springsteen’s most gut-wrenching moments, while ‘Salvation Army Girl’ is a favourite, a rollicking punk-pop song in the best tradition of the Replacements, Undertones et all, but with brass and Hammond organ instead of distorted guitars. I dare anyone to listen to this without belting out ‘Salvation Army girl!!” by the end. We can only hope there’s a music video in the works for this little gem.
‘TV Mama’ is a dark, atmospheric ballad with wailing pedal steel while ‘The Kid’ is another high point. It’s a song about a veteran returning from the war and killing someone, a dark story worthy of John Steinbeck, full of gritty details and vivid images, once again showcasing Ian Felice’s lyrical prowess. Featuring weeping pedal steel, rollicking piano and heavenly backup vocals, ‘The Kid’ veers between a sad country ballad and a catchy sing-along tune worthy of The Band. This song perfectly demonstrates the Felice Brothers’ genius in combining Americana, gripping lyrics, killer playing and beautiful melodies in one amazing package. ‘The Kid’ is a song that will stand the test of time, a thought-provoking examination of collective versus individual guilt. “It’s as much his crime as it yours and mine”.
In the Felice Brothers’ third album, Undress, you can hear some of Bruce Springsteen’s desperately yearning pathos, a Gothic darkness related to the rugged beauty of their home upstate New York, the boundless energy of early punk rock, and a thorough mastery of Americana, exploring the outer fringes of the genre, incorporating new elements while remaining true to its essence. After all, was the American frontier itself not a dark and forbidding place, full of death and misery? Maybe the ghosts of America’s bloody past have come back to haunt us, and the Felice Brothers are here to chronicle it.
The Felice Brothers tour constantly, as bands do, and are heading to the UK in January of 2020 (dates below). Do yourself a favour, don’t miss them when they’re in your neck of the woods.
Undress is out now. Order it here (including coloured vinyl).
The Felice Brothers UK Tour 2020
January 22: Belfast – Limelight 1
January 23: Dublin – Whelan’s
January 24: Glasgow – Celtic Connections – Old Fruitmarket
January 25: Newcastle upon Tyne – Newcastle University Students Union
January 27: Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
January 28: Cambridge – Junction 2
January 29: Manchester – Gorilla
January 31: Brighton – The Old Market
February 1: London – Islington Assembly Hall
February 2: Bristol – The Fleece
http://www.thefelicebrothers.com/