There are all types of folk, in music that is...from the classic mountain people of the Carter Family to the toy folk of Mumford and Sons, it is music of the people and tells a story. Bright Sunny South belongs to the former group here and although the album title conjures up images of happy tales, this is far removed from what you get.
This is gothic folk which includes more than a hint of David Lynchian soundscapes within it. Not an easy listen, this is one for the early hours of Sunday morning. Even then you may need to keep a light on. Sam Amidon is a serious guy and this is a serious album.
A tad over the top actually, but Bright Sunny South is not easy going. Highly influenced by mountain folk, Amidon delivers songs in his low drawl with barely a guitar as accompaniment. This also takes excursions into oddness as ‘He's Taken My Feet’, for example, ends in a feedback drenched squall of guitars. It is moment like these, like the saxophone blast on ‘I Wish I Wish’ which takes you by surprise which keep an interest throughout.
Some of it is just dark, ‘Pharoah’ is plain difficult, but this music has always been about the stories being told. Amidon likes to sing about classic tropes and a series of covers accentuates his love of old time music. Take ‘Streets of Derry’ which is brought into the 21st century but still retains a rustic charm.
Rustic is a great word for this album and you will have fun exploring the many nooks and crannys. It loses its “pace” at times but has enough to pull you back in. If you have an hour spare, give in to Amidon's world and picture yourself on a lonesome porch in the Appalachian mountains. It's good for the soul.
