Woodshed Mercy
Woodshed Mercy

Initially, the name Woodshed Mercy might conjure up visions of a B-reel horror film, starring a recklessly annoying hotel heiress who gets whacked about halfway through the flick. But once you get a load of the locally-focused "Nobottom Blues," a track halfway through this band's self-titled release, you already understand what that mercy really is all about.

Born from the reunited core (four of the five current members) of one-time local act Tumbleweed Jo, Woodshed Mercy takes on rock n' roll, bluegrass, alt-country with a pinch of post-punk ethos. They distill it into the best batch of aural moonshine you've ever had; the results are what Wilco's Jay Bennett might have thought of when he dubbed the phrase "rural contemporary." With five unique singer-songwriter approaches to the craft, Woodshed Mercy create a melange of Americana music that ages well, but never grows old.

The disc starts with a different spin on "Dear John" letters called "Lena's Love Letters," showcasing mountain/Applachian sounds spun into post-punk gold. The vocals of Drew Clair and Jennifer O'Neal make an intriguing pairing throughout, adding poignancy to the sharp witticisms in the lyrics and fantastic instrumental interplay shared here. "The Ballad of Henry Lee" and "Telemundo Novella" help pull those elements together, as does "It's All Over But the Crying," a perfect song for another pro sports team loss.

Fans of the Jack Fords, Whiskey Daredevils and Hayshaker Jones might already be familiar with the group's bluesy, rootsy take on alt-country and well-crafted balladry. Like the Daredevils, who were reviewed here a few weeks ago, Woodshed Mercy is good party and beer-drinkin' music with ethos... cajones, even. And they write from the heart, too.

Blissfully, Woodshed Mercy has more to do with Paris, Texas than it does Hilton. In other words, No Depression necessary.

Woodshed Mercy joins The Jack Fords, Hayshaker Jones, Robert Cornelius and Pale Blue Sky for an "unsigned" Americana music showcase Thursday, December 15th at the Beachland Ballroom. The first 50 showgoers also get a FREE Independent Northeast Ohio Roots Compilation featuring the evening’s artists along with other regional acts. Check it out!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com (:divend:)