The Liquorsmiths

Despite being compared to folk rock legends like Wilco, Delta Spirit and Neil Young throughout their sterling career, San Diego folk rockers The Liquorsmiths aren’t overawed about being placed in such prestigious company. They’re not wet around the ears in the industry either boasting years of autodidactic growth as artists from diverse musical roots and numerous festival outings playing alongside some great bands. Today, all of that invaluable knowledge has been crafted into a nifty six-track Ep, ‘This Book Belongs To’ which was released on August 21st under the enterprising Inhesion Records label.

Ostensibly, given the countrified, grassroots folk proclivities, ‘This Book Belongs To’ permeates sophisticated musicality with its richness. It’s typical of how the genre has been rejuvenated and assimilated into atypical cultures via a thorough sprucing up and this album is no different with its clean, striking melodies, deep emotiveness and infectious energy throughout.

I like that they’ve experimented with structure, speed, and in some cases, instrumentation to keep things fresh whilst remaining within the expandable confines of traditional folk rock. It keeps one listening and expecting something different from song to song, so one never loses interest and is inevitably rewarded with some innovative, dynamic artistry.

And the Impassioned lyrics resembled refined poeticism based on commentary of contemporary issues and experiences from lead singer, Drew Thams. The simplicity of catchy hooks still remains but it’s coupled with proverb-laden stanzas that get you thinking, believing in the authenticity and sincerity of The Liquorsmiths protean message.

In songs like ‘Coy With Me’ and ‘Iris’, The Liquorsmiths show a softer, smoother side. ‘Coy With Me’ encompasses a peppy beat that builds gradually but transitions organically because it’s structured tightly. Conversely, ‘Iris’ contains a powerful bridge where the chorus should be, taking us intermittently out of the sooth song. ‘Get Well Soon’ is the paciest song on the album and has a very Simon and Garfunkel feel to it. Finally, we are treated to the gamut of The Liquorsmiths’ eclectic sound palette with the unconventional ‘Thief’ and the enigmatic anti-ballad, ‘Devil I do’.