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.
