After the release of Dead Roses, his
2004 album, Kasey Anderson
found himself suddenly on the radar of critics nationwide. Publications
from No Depression to Punk Planet praised Dead Roses and listed Anderson as "one to
watch in the alt.country scene" (Punk Planet). While such positive
critical response was not surprising given the quality of Anderson's
work (Matt Ryan of The Village Voice listed Dead Roses as the #5 album of 2004), it did
set expectations rather high when Anderson entered the studio to record
the follow-up to Dead Roses.
Working
once again with producer Eric
"Roscoe" Ambel (The Bottle
Rockets, Blue Rodeo), who helmed Dead Roses, 27-year-old Anderson's goal was
simple and clear: to create characters that would resonate, clearly
conveying the hope, rage and fear that Anderson saw in the lives of so
many, regardless of culture or geography. The result is The Reckoning, an album that will undoubtedly
expand and broaden Anderson's audience and leave a lasting impression
on critics and listeners alike. While The Reckoning is not your typical "concept
record," Anderson admits to a very strong thematic thread throughout
the album. "These characters are all at odds with their circumstances,
they're all in a position to make a choice for change," he says. "These
songs are about the moments that lead to those choices, and the
consequences of the decisions made.
The songs on The Reckoning reflect Anderson's reaction to
what he has seen unfold before him in the time since the release of Dead Roses, both personally and in a larger
context. From the album's title track, a sprawling, politically charged
dirge set against a backdrop of feedback and pounding drums, to the
beautifully sparse, piano-driven closing track, "For St. Ann's,"
Anderson puts a human face to problems too often expressed in
rhetorical terms. The
Reckoning is a
singular songwriting achievement, which highlights Anderson's growth as
a writer, and his dedication to weaving evocative, character-driven
lyrics into a broad sonic landscape. With the help of Ambel and a cast
of musical all-stars including Keith
Christopher (Billie Joe Shaver,
The Georgia Satellites), Catherine
Popper (Ryan Adams and the
Cardinals), and Rob Arthur
(Peter Frampton), Anderson has
crafted an album that expands on the raw intensity of Dead Roses while showing his progression and
maturity as a songwriter and musician.
In short,
with The Reckoning, Anderson has delivered on the
promise and potential shown on Dead Roses; after spending the last few years
sharing the stage with the likes of Steve
Earle, Jesse Malin, Marah, and the Supersuckers, The Reckoning offers evidence that Anderson is
well on his way to earning a place alongside those names. The
songwriter Copper Press referred to as "an emerging and
fascinating voice" continues to prove he is indeed one to watch, and
one we'll be watching for a long time to come. "Kasey's music is true
Americana... no hype, just real music" said DSN's Guy Giuliano (in
photo with Kasey). Check out the current
tour schedule or Kasey (((here))).
DSN Music is proud
to present Kasey Anderson for
download.
.
"Long Way Home" From the CD The Reckoning/Terra Soul Records/2007
"Wake Up!" From the CD The Reckoning/Terra Soul Records/2007
