The Campfire Boys
The Campfire Boys
Portland-based duo the Campfire Boys sequestered themselves in the studio during the 2020 pandemic taking with them a dozen songs and a literal pile of instruments for their self titled debut album released in September . Rich Lander plays mandolin, piano, bass, accordion, percussion, Melodica, ukulele ,train whistle and kazoo, while Justin John handled all the guitars, drums ,more keyboards, percussion, and gong. The pair share vocal duties and invited a few special guests to contribute on strings banjo and more kitchen sink percussion.
The album arrived with a note from Lander hoping that we enjoy the music and asking if RR&BR had any thoughts on what genre category the album should be placed in. The 11 songs run the musical map from Bluegrass to indie pop and psychedelic Rock jams to easy going Country Folk and Americana. The center of each track is the idea that melody is King, and emotions are heartfelt with genuine sincerity.
The opening title track is an acoustic mandolin ramble from Appalachia, celebrating the joys of playing tunes under the stars. The vibe switches to one of many spacey jams during “Ground Kontrol,“ followed by the euro pop politico “ King of Contradiction,“ that features lovely mandolin lines. The ethereal track “Say Go,“ has a dramatic build and expansive feel, the haunting cello From Kona lyn Muir, glides along with John’s fingerpicking guitar lines. “Mr.No,” attempts to deliver a message of positivity in these difficult times, and the quirky groove of “Nothing Never Changes,” has some great jam trade-offs between Wurlitzer and guitar.
The waltzing“ State of the Union,“ speaks of the troubles of modern relationships with an obvious Grateful Dead influence, while the piano driven“ I Can See,“ has touches of David Bowie and Pink Floyd in its far out Prog Ballad composition. More of that great mandolin playing leads the jaunty ballroom sing-along “Caribou Susie,” before we are challenged with another spaced out jam ”I Disappear “ filled with big guitars, big drums, and thought-provoking lyrics. The set ends with another acoustic rambler “Task At Hand,“ a friendly reminder for all of us to keep our eyes on the prize and with a little spit and sweat we can accomplish our dreams much like the Campfire Boys have done with this adventurous musical debut.