LISTEN: The Romany Rye - "Untitled (Love Song)"

The Romany Rye - "Untitled (Love Song)"


Sometimes, it's hard to deny the simple charms of a good 'ol country-tinged rock 'n' roll song. It's gritty, smooth, and rustic, sounding like it was born and raised in the deep south -- not in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. A simple, timeless melody sits high atop an open chord progression, galloping around in the dry dirt of some endless Texas backyard where the horizon smiles wide under a bright blue sky. It's the descendent of bands such as Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and Ryan Adams & The Cardinals. Romany Rye mastermind Luke MacMaster sings and writes as though he has a soulful connection with America's heartland despite the fact that he lives in Los Angeles; it's not unlike how Neil Young is synonymous with America and deep country pride despite actually being Canadian.

Simple? Yes. Memorable? Yes. I saw The Romany Rye perform a number of months ago when they were touring with Delta Spirit. It was Fourth of July eve and, between both bands, it felt like a celebration of America (as exhibited by a tweet from that evening). Every song was like something dug out of a time capsule, each a memory of what makes this country great -- this despite whether or not the songs actually had any relevance to the notion at hand. I remember this song from all those months ago, and it's great to finally hear it recorded.

The Romany Rye Upcoming Tour Dates (w/ Dawes)

10/22 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's
10/23 - Dallas, TX - Sons of Herman Hall
10/24 - Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack
10/26 - St. Louis, MO - The Gargoyle
10/27 - Louisville, KY - Headliners
11/12 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theatre
11/13 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall
11/14 - Ames, IA - The Maintenance Shop
11/15 - Denver, CO - Hi Dive
11/16 - Salt Lake City, UT - The State Room
11/18 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
11/19 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
11/20 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent
11/21 - Santa Barbara, CA - Soho Restaurant & Music Club
11/26 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
11/27 - San Diego, CA - The Casbah

The Romany Rye's new album will be out Spring 2011.

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