‘New Songs of Dawn and Dust’ opens with one of three instrumentals on the album. ‘Spanish Reprise’ is straight out of spaghetti western territory. As we listen to the flamenco style guitar we can feel the sun beating down on scorched earth as drifters and townsfolk alike seek shelter under wide brimmed hats on shady porches.
‘Days Ahead’ is a lesson in moving on; “wake up baby it’s time to go/ where we’re headed I don’t know”. Forget the news and move on is a message and it reminds us that mornings always come. This is a great up-tempo soul lifting song that features a solitary horn in the background giving it slight Mariachi feel.
Another early highlight is ‘Derridae’ which has very Kinks like melody and even the vocal phrasing in places lends a nod to Ray Davis. It’s not an upbeat song by any means. “Have you seen her go where the lonely go?” It’s an ode to loneliness and loss, but with the mix of the melody and the stunning lyrics it is bound to become a live favourite.
First thing we noticed when we put the record on our turntable was the production. More stripped back than the previous album this has a feel of the early Rick Ruben/Johnny Cash recordings. In fact at one point we look around fully expecting to the Oisin and Mark in our sitting room. Such is the organic and homely feel of the recording.
‘Soldier’s Song’ is a haunting gem of a song. Pure Woody Guthrie material “I was a soldier in that old war / they never told me what I killed for.” At times it’s hard to believe these boys are from the South of Ireland and not the deep south of the USA. “I see that graveyard with my old friends / when will I see their faces again?” Once again the boys carry the mix of sadness with ease in the perfect harmonies. Towards the end of the song the brass returns emphasising the loss and melancholy in the song.
Other highlights include ‘Walking Blues’, the brilliant instrumental ‘Nocturnal Tune’ and ‘Gold and Silver’ all demonstrate the subtle power in this band. The playing is laid back, the vocal harmonies are subtle and the songwriting is brilliant. If there is anything flashy about this record then it is in the massive way that the boys unassumingly deliver the goods.
‘Poor Poor Man’ is another one of our favourites. A tale of hidden emotions and shortsightedness delivered with a warning. ”Don’t sell your soul to fill your hollow hands”. For many years the Lost Brothers have been compared to the Everly Brothers, but this new record showcasing as it does their wonderful lyrics, nimble guitar playing and haunting harmonies firmly establishes them as competent and mature folk troubadours in their own right.