The Right Reverend Crow traces its origins back to the recording of 'Red, White and American Blues (It Couldn’t Happen Here)', the celebrated 2021 album by songwriter Nathan Bell.
More than a mere stage name, The Reverend Crow is Bell’s tribute to the blues that have sustained him for over 50 years. As the son of the late American poet Marvin Bell, he brings a devastating edge to his song writing, delivering lyrics that hit hard and ring true. Reunited with the rhythm section of Frank Swart and Alvino Bennett at the Skunkworks Studio in Capitola, California, the trio found their voice as The Reverend Crow.
The music carries a raw authenticity that feels like a captured moment in the studio. Bell is the standout here, delivering a commanding performance on overdriven electric guitar.
Opening with ‘What Time It Is’, the listener immediately knows this is a politicly charged album. Fuzzy guitar and lo-fi bass and drums underpin the hard hitting lyrics that deal with the brutal case of Freddie “Frank” Gray, who suffered fatal injuries during the arrest and the fact that his family are still awaiting justice.
‘Downhearted and Blue’ pulses with a slow burning groove, highlighted by the exceptional guitar interplay between Sean “Mack” McDonald’s fluid lead and Bell’s own playing. Meanwhile, ‘The Devil Lives In Bargain Town’ serves as a blistering, no-holds-barred critique of the current American administration.
‘A Woman’ has the unfortunate task of reminding us that even in 2025, misogyny and entitlement among men is alive and widespread. A similar thread runs through ‘Governor Lee’, inspired by the republican politician’s inappropriate use of faith to oppose women’s rights.
While the majority of the album is inspired by the corruption and madness associated with the MAGA movement in the USA, the themes resonate around the world as they are made normal by the unhinged administration in the White House.
‘Demokracy Blues’ by The Right Reverend Crow is a raw, unapologetic confrontation with modern life, delivered through a powerful and authentic blues rock mix that refuses to pull any punches.