Advance Review - Luke Sadecky - River Why (November 8, 2019)
River Why starts off with "The Potter and the Mason", it's clear that he has grown in confidence in the focal point of his sound. It's a delicate mix of folk and Americana that if you're into those genres you'll absolutely adore Sadecky. One interesting thing to note, is his voice is smooth as silk. So in a way he is able to set himself apart from the more popularized gravel-toned vocals that seem to be all the rage right now. You almost get a modernized John Denver feeling when you listen to Sadecky on River Why, especially vocally.
I'm immediately drawn to "Whippoorwill Song", first by it's title. If you've never researched the old Appalachian tales behind the song of the Whippoorwill's bird you should definitely check it out (I'm not going to spoil it for you here do your own homework!). This song is much brighter tonally than that old folklore. Sadecky is patient and measured and measured in his vocals here. The results are solid and I loved that they included an actual recording of a Whippoorwill.
As Sadecky continues on River Why with "Wildcard", a dangerous feeling acoustic track that's melody feels like it belongs on the soundtrack of one of Robert Rodriguez's Desparado films. There's also some country sensibilities as well with some light touches of fiddle thrown in throughout. Sadecky next plays "Already Gone". It's a bit of a ballad, with some heavy alt-country leanings. With his track "Stay", there's an almost jazz touch to the percussion throughout the track that blends with the guitar. Though the playfulness of Sadecky's guitar is reminiscent of early Jack Johnson. The track shifts dramatically with a breakdown midway through which makes the strings the star of the melody. It works well.
Finally, If you're looking for a track to hear Sadecky stretch his vocal register, look no further than "Century". He hits some great highs on the track that sound brilliant. It's a great track for Sadecky to land the thing with. River Why represents a strong effort from a talented musician who continues to grow with each release. He's obviously taken a step forward here with his sound on River Why, making calculated choices with melody, pitch, and arrangements. He does so extremely well. Sadecky and Mon Hills Records should consider this one an accomplishment. Well done.
Rating - 4.5/5