Lord Nelson - Through The Night (2018)

Lord Nelson’s Through the Night Album Review

ByKaren BenardelloPublished on March 31, 2018

Lord Nelson
The members of the Americana rock-n-roll band, Lord Nelson.

Band: Lord Nelson; Members: Kai Crowe-Getty: Lead vocalist and guitarist; Bram Crowe-Getty: Lead guitarist; Andrew Hollifield: Bass; and Johnny Stubblefield: Drums

Album: ‘Through The Night’

Contemplating the meaningful relationships and experiences, as well as the societal environment, that have shaped a person’s life can be an equally emotional and insightful journey. That’s certainly the case for Lord Nelson, the Nelson County, Virginia-based band that’s set to release its second studio album, ‘Through The Night,’ on May 18.

The 10-track Americana and rock-n-roll-inspired record was written on the road and between tours by the group’s lead singer, Kai Crowe-Getty, and his bandmates, including his brother, Bram Crowe-Getty, as well as Andrew Hollifield and Johnny Stubblefield. ‘Through The Night’ explores such dark themes as the highs and lows of personal relationships, as well as the political climate of the country. The collection also features original compositions that focus on the places they grew up in, with the help of slow-burning harmonies and pulsating dance beats.

‘Through The Night,’ which is grippingly driven by piano, organ, horns and guitar-based rock songs, begins with the entry, ‘Second Chances.’ Backed by classic rock guitar riffs and drum beats, Kai’s vocals smoothly memorialize the woman he loves. The sentimental and powerful tune notes that even though there’s a difference in the way that people feel emotional pain, the singer reveals that he believe there’s a possibility of a second chances with his love.

Lord Nelson’s latest record then delves into its sophomore effort, ‘Tail Lights.’ The song, which features a grittier instrumentation than its predecessor, features Kai mentioning that he wishes that he could start over, but he admits that he doesn’t know where to begin on his road to redemption. He also reveals that nothing will change the way he feels. The album’s lead single notes that the musicians hope that they can find what they’re looking for as they fulfill their professional dreams. They also admit that they’re contending with the joys and challenges of the road, both for those who are traveling, and those who were left at home.

‘Black Hills,’ the next entry on ‘Through the Night,’ is one of record’s best efforts. Fueled by Americana guitar riffs and drum beats, Lord Nelson’s lead vocalist croons that while his band is passing through the title hills while on tour, his dreams are starting to fade. The sentimental song’s soulful nature would make it the perfect candidate for a movie score in a scene in which the characters are contending with a new direction in their lives.

Following ‘Black Hills’ is the more upbeat track, ‘Fingertips.’ The cheerful blend of jazz-infused horns and drums creates a ’70s vibe that would be especially brilliantly vibrant during a performance at a club. The group’s singer freely admits that the woman he’s attracted to has left him wanting more from their relationship, and he’ll do whatever it takes to be with her.

Lord Nelson then dives into the ’80s pop-rock inspired tune, ‘Call Me,’ during which Kai admits that he wants to run away from his true self, and turn into someone else. With an untroubled tone, he encourages the woman he’s involved with to get in touch with him again when she’s finished questioning what she desires.

The next entry on ‘Through the Night’ is ‘Good Time,’ which offers a glimpse into life’s simple pleasures. Backed by a stand-out horns and guitar section, Kai admits that the woman he loves can talk him into having a good time. The Americana rock-n-roll song adds that a little love goes a long way when a person’s far from home.

The next two tracks on Lord Nelson’s latest album transition away from personal relationships, and focus more on politically-charged commentary. ‘Safety Meeting’ encourages its listeners not to be afraid of what’s going on around them, and not to let other people take them down, especially since traditions are always changing. ‘Southern Discomfort’ captivatingly notes how people are freely gathering in city streets, in order to express their shock and rage over what they’re witnessing in their lives.

The penultimate tune on ‘Through the Night’ is ‘When the Lights Come Down,’ which features soulful, jazz-inspired guitar riffs and a country twang in Kai’s vocals. He passionately croons that he can be saved by the open road, even though he’s tempted many times while on the road.

The emotional chaos perfectly culminates with the last entry on Lord Nelson’s upcoming second studio record, ‘Running on Back.’ The enthralling lyrics note how the band members feel as though they have been down on their luck for a long time, but they’re determined to find their way again. Kai admits that he and his fellow musicians have become swept away by the life they’ve been leading through up-temp rock-n-roll lyrics that are supported by Americana guitar riffs.

Pondering the important relationships and experiences, as well as the societal environment, that have shaped a person’s life can be an equally emotional and insightful journey. That was certainly the case for the musicians of Lord Nelson as they recorded ‘Through The Night.’ The Americana and rock-n-roll-inspired album was written on the road and between tours by the group’s lead singer and his bandmates, who explore such dark themes as the highs and lows of personal relationships and the political climate of the country. The collection also features original rock compositions that focus on the places they grew up in, through slow-burning, harmony-laced anthems and pulsating dance beats that surely wo’t soon be forgotten.