Blues Bytes What's New

01/28/08

—- Graham Clarke Blues Bytes

Canadian singer Lahna Deering met guitarist Rev Neil Down in Alaska and formed the duo, Deering and Down. The pair’s first two discs were recorded in Alaska and Ireland, respectively, and garnered a fair amount of attention for their originality. Since 2004, they’ve been in Memphis, soaking in the atmosphere and musical influences of the Bluff City. Their third album, Break This Record, was recorded in Memphis and released on North Mississippi Allstars’ Cody Dickinson’s new Diamond D label.

Deering’s unique vocal style (call it a combination of Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin with a shot of helium mixed in) is a perfect offset to Down’s guitar work, which is a style unto its own. It leans toward the rock side of things, with roots firmly planted in the blues, and he complements Deering’s vocals flawlessly, like a hummingbird darting in and out and around them.

Among the highlights are “Richard of Los Angeles,” which features a wicked solo from Down, and the mournful “Sad Love,” with one of Deering’s best vocal efforts. “Sugar” features a country-esque backing with a bluesy guitar break, as does “City Cow Girl.” The upbeat “Oh So Good” raises things up a notch or two, and “Abbey” is a sweet song about encouraging someone going through the healing process of a broken love. The closer, “Bessie’s Big Wag,” is a lively instrumental showcasing Down’s guitar.

This was a difficult record to categorize (something I hate to do in the first place). It’s not exactly rock or blues, but features elements of both. Americana is probably the best description, but it’s not just that either. It reminds me a lot of those Little Feat or Ry Cooder records from the ’70s that captured elements of several different genres and combined them into their very own genre. Wherever you file it, it’s one of the most fascinating releases you’ll hear this year.