In the sweet serenade of the sophomore release, Drift, Gnarly Darling fused rhythm with feeling, the panoramic expanse of Bob Dylan-esque harmonica blows with the gospel-timbred salvation of Hammond organ keys and a voice that was born to resolve.
The release ties together with a tenderness that could never be feigned as the authentically Americana signature finds organic ways to nestle melodic hooks into the arresting tempo of the single that you can’t help but surrender to. Rich with imagery and ingrained with a sense of understanding compassion, Drift proves that Gnarly Darling possess the rare gift of being able to intimately, yet universally, absolve.
Formed around the songwriting of Ryan Feeley, the roots rock quintet is completed by bluesy harp wizard Pete Lassey, the distinctively soulful vocalist Jessi Rigordaeva, rock-solid drummer Gary Goodman, and expressive bassist Eric Turner. Gnarly Darling’s stylistic reach may span jangle, groove, soul and rustic rock, but they never stretch themselves thin. Whether covering familiar tunes or bringing original melodies into the world, they move with an energy built to stir, soothe, and steady.
Drift is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.
Review by Amelia Vandergast