Blake Rainey and His Demons spin tales with a Southern accent on latest album
Local songwriter Blake Rainey and His Demons mix rock, country, and Americana sounds on their latest collection of songs about love and the human condition.
When listened to in sequence, the latest offering by Blake Rainey and His Demons , Love Don’t Cross Me (Two Sheds Music), comes across like a sincere collection of short stories read aloud with a Southern accent. These stories about love and the human condition are told using varied musical styles. Rainey mixes modern Americana sounds with the biting wordplay of Elvis Costello on digital single and album highlight “The Angels Were Wrong About Her.” He also turns to the songwriter-centered rock approach of Bruce Springsteen or even the Replacements on solemn album closer “The Dangerous Summer.” Just as rewarding is Rainey’s knack for writing a country-and-western style barroom stomper, like “99 Beers (Now Everything is Clear)” and “Old Familiar.” On each recording, Rainey, a longtime member of the Young Antiques, is joined by a solid rhythm section in Joe Foy (bass) and Eric Young (drums).
Blake Rainey and His Demons play a LP/CD release show with Clashtinista and Anchor Bends tonight (Fri., June 27) at the Star Bar. $8. 10 p.m.