Harmonic Dirt’s album Anthracite is a treasure of lyrics for songwriter fans. Susan Coleman, bassist, and her talented multi-instrumentalist and vocalist husband, Mike Gridley, began collaborating on songs together a couple of years ago. They brought in James DaRin on drums and percussion and Taylor Bucci on banjo and vocals. Soon they had a band and an entire album of songs recorded. Since then you may have seen them at Overpassfest, a local brewery, a side stage at a local festival, or the main stage at The Palace Theatre. Recently they opened the Westcott Theater for Donna the Buffalo. Just as cool is how often Susan Coleman and Mike Gridley can be found supporting others at local music shows and community events.
The Americana-Folk Rock band has been likened to Tom Petty and Shovels and Rope. They play original tunes that sound somehow familiar and are all easy on the ears and soul.
Inside the album sleeve, I was excited to find a lyric booklet. The title track, “Anthracite,” has a deep sad tone and was my immediate favorite. Listen to a clip in the video below. “Halifax Hurricane” is a journey through songwriting in the style of Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash. Their more Wilco- ish sound can be heard in “Maybe, ” a fun-loving song with an ironic twist to the lyrics about relationship struggles. A harmonica brightens up “Please” as a weeping guitar adds depth to “Phoenix,” a song filled with imagery and metaphors urging the listener to “swim away from sinking ships (and hungry sharks).”
Harmonic Dirt performs next on January 9 at Beer Belly Deli & Pub on Westcott Street
More info and tour dates: http://harmonicdirt.com
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