The Molenes "Songs Of Sin And Redemption" (Independent, 2009)

Impressive sophomore from Portland Country-Rockers

The Molenes are a little old-fashioned in that their music lends itself to rock‘n’roll of yesteryear with it possessing hints of Creedence Clearwater Revival on a couple of occasions.

Working up a storm, the boys Dave Hunter, Zach Field, Andrew Russell and Thomas Ferry may hit the road running on 'There’s A Sufferin’' and 'Bring The Bottle' but there is also a painstaking stance taken on 'You Are Gone' and 'Like Silver Stars' that sees lead vocalist Hunter surrounded by pedal steel (Bruce Derr who guests on a handful of cuts) veer towards country rock. 'Step On It' is a trucking styled song that could as easily come from the repertoire of Emmylou Harris’ early years with her Hot Band — such being the pedal steel and electric lead guitar licks (Hunter). Albert Lee would have been proud to have it listed among his credits.

Hunter is the driving force behind the band, since not only does he sing lead, play a host of instruments that includes some banjo but writes all the songs himself but for 'Beacom’s Farm'. A co-write with Jerry Hunter, it sees Hunter and the boys head for the hills via the highway as the music straddles rock, truckin’ and traditional aspects. Returning to my opening quote of their music possessing hints of John Fogarty’s CCR — 'There’s A Suffering' during the opening bars has that feel. Prior to Hunter’s lead vocals and the music edging towards famed alt-country acts Wilco and Sun Volt.

Based in Portland, New England, The Molenes with their second full album have cast aside any restrictive shackles as they follow their heart to deliver a solid album sophomore album. The question now is can they take their music to the next step? If the gritty and evocative, 'Trouble In The Corn' containing a feel akin to the North Mississippi hill country, where roots based blues dominate the landscape is anything to go by there is every possibility.

Date review added:  Friday, May 29, 2009
Reviewer:  Maurice Hope
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  www.themolenes.com