Sara Rachele – Diamond Street (plus Song Premiere)

NYC-by-way-of-Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Sara Rachele is set to release her debut record Diamond Street on Angrygal Records this coming September 2,  2014. It’s a live-straight-to-tape recording, which is an impressive feat itself on your debut record, not to mention they managed to put down all eight tracks and two bonus tracks in just two days. That’s always a sure sign of confidence and artistry. But, put that together with some of Atlanta’s finest musicians and you’ve got a bad-ass rock album. Vocally, she’s a glorious amalgamation of Neko Case and Lydia Loveless with a smattering of Harriet Wheeler (The Sundays). For those of us still reeling from Lydia’s last effort, Diamond Street will satisfy that void. 

Out of the gate, Rachele (pronounced Ra-kelly) wastes not a moment to let you know the direction this record is heading. “Devil That I Know” is a raw rocker, complete with sultry lyrics and crafty organ work. It’s an immediate introduction to the rawness of the album, produced by Kristofer Sampson and recorded in Atlanta at the studio that the record was named after, Diamond Street Studios. Completely transparent from the start that the record was recorded live — directly to tape, how they always made records before digital was introduced — it successfully captures all that energy and sets the tone nicely. Just as you’re waiting for a power chord to kick off track two, she’s back with “You Don’t Move Me,” a soul-tinged hypnotic gem that could easily be found on a Blue Note B-side.  Diamond Street  follows no roadmap. It’s Rachele’s heart and soul, and her confidence permeates through the speakers. She’s truly a throwback when it comes to songcrafting, in both writing and delivery. She can sound every bit a sultry, country crooner and come right back with a balls-out rock song. It’s a fine collection of well-crafted songs. The musicians have a damn good time playing music together, and it shows.

I’m truly honored to be premiering the first of two bonus tracks on Diamond Street: “Judas”, a gritty, folky number that showcases Rachele’s vocals.  It’s coincidentally one of my favorite cuts on the record and a fine taste of what the album is filled with. There’s not a doubt in my mind that we’ll hear a great deal more from Sara Rachele in the future. It’s truly an impressive debut full-length record and an Americana community “must have.” You get a dose of everything you need in a record: some rock, country, soul, blues, folk, and those sweet sad songs.  Without further rambling, I’m pleased to premiere Sara Rachele’s, “Judas” at the link below…Enjoy!

 

+Words by Scott Zuppardo+

***Please visit Sad Songs Keep The Devil Away at www.ssktda.com for more musings***