I have to thank Young the Giant for their incredible choice
of opening bands because as good as YTG was live, the Apache Relay was better.
The band first caught my attention last summer in Central Park. As mentioned,
the Apache Relay was one of the bands that opened for Young the Giant. The
group was absolutely phenomenal and I found myself gravitating towards the
merchandise booth at the close of their set. The album was worth every penny.
 |
| The Apache Relay American Nomads |
Apache Relay is one of the rare bands that add genuine
character to its music. There is a soulful quality about each of the songs that
creates an overwhelming feeling of heartfelt sincerity. There is a distinct
synergy between lyrics and melodies that emphasizes the universal talent of the
band members. For most groups or artists, vocals and instrumentals tends to
drown one another out. It is incredibly rare to come across a group in which
there is a concise equality between the two. The Apache Relay uses each of
their songs as a means of accentuating the specific talents of the individual
artists within the band.
While one song focuses heavily on the penetrating vocals of
Michael Ford Jr. the next focuses on the intricate synchronization of guitar
and drums. There is no single star which makes the band that much more
likeable. The exceptional blend of music and lyrics highlights the fact that
the band itself is the perfect blend of people. Unconcerned with overshadowing
one another as a means of highlighting individual talent, the Apache Relay
instead focuses on creating a distinctive sound that is entirely their own. The
likeable nature of the band stems from their ability to create a fusion of
sounds unlike anything currently on the radio.
The combination of acoustic and electric rock produces an
incredibly appealing style of music. The Apache Relay has done a remarkable job
at invoking a variety of emotions within their listeners. Songs such as Lost Kid combine a raw hardness with an
uplifting sincerity that, rather than confusing audiences, becomes an inspirational
anthem that speaks to many. It is this combination of gritty resilience and
energetic vigor that has led to the incredible audience reception of the Apache
Relay.
Likewise, Home is Not
Places, is a song that invokes an insurmountable feeling of yearning and
appreciation. There is an equal appreciation for the raw tenor of Ford and the almost
heartbreaking melody of the accompanying instrumentals. The ability to jump
from hard rock, to soft blues, to energetic indie is what makes the Apache
Relay that much more admirable. The band’s music holds steady throughout the
albums and intensifies from one song to the next.
The Apache Relay Home is Not Places
Each of the full-length albums released by the Apache Relay
are consistent with one another. Rather than creating an entirely new sound
from one album to the next, the Apache Relay executed minor adjustments, which
only added to the already phenomenal tone of the music. 1988 was an incredible first album, however, American Nomad is where the Apache Relay truly finds their footing.
The raw grittiness of the first album is further emphasized in the second,
making it that much more personal and genuine.
While much of the newer generation deliberately steers clear
of anything even slightly associated with bluegrass music, the Apache Relay’s
versatility and unprocessed sound are appealing enough to draw in listeners of
all ages. The Apache Relay offers something for anyone who has the slightest
interest in music. Incredible vocals matched by equally astounding
instrumentals suggest that the Apache Relay will go far.
Band Members:
Michael Ford Jr.
Mike Harris
Brett Moore
Aaron Early
Ben Ford
Kellen Wenrich
Check out
the official Apache Relay website to stay up to date on upcoming tours, new
music, and video premiers. While you’re there head on over to the merchandise
store and pick up some hardcopies of the band’s albums along with a shirt or
two!
Head over to iTunes and do yourself a favor by buying the Apache Relay albums!
The Apache Relay on Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/apacherelay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theapacherelay
No comments:
Post a Comment