About a month ago, there was an advertisement on Spotify marketing a new band, called the Lone Bellow, as the “Next Best Thing.” Naturally, I clicked and was very impressed by the band’s debut single, “You Never Need Nobody.” I thought to myself that I will keep them on my radar. Thankfully I did because although they may sound like many other bands, each song is a masterpiece in itself.

If you’re a fan of the increasingly popular Americana folk bands, you will enjoy the Lone Bellow, who released their self-titled album yesterday. The Lone Bellow has the signature Mumford banjo, the Lumineers’ tragic lyrics, the Civil Wars’ the style (and producer), the Kings of Leon’s southern roots and the Avett Brothers’ country melodies. 

The Brooklyn-based band spent years making music before being signed by Descendant Records, a branch of Sony music. It was then that the lead singer, Zach Williams, realized he might be able to move out of his 550 square-foot apartment and become a successful performer. 

Less than eight years ago, Williams began writing songs following his wife’s tragic horse-riding accident. The long road to her recovery was indeed a test on their relationship, but it also inspired many of the songs on the new album. 

The album begins with “Green Eyes And A Heart Of Gold,” which is a foot-stomping narrative, and “Tree To Grow,” an song obviously dedicated to Williams’ wife in regards to their struggles with the lyrics, “A tree to grow to let you know/ my love is older than my soul.” Emotion further resides in the chorus of “Two Sides Of Lonely”: “Two sides of lonely/ one is heart, one is duty.” 

“You Never Need Nobody” is the debut single that first caught my attention. With a choir contributing to the refrain, the track almost comes off as a Southern hymn in parts.  Another very similar song is “The One You Should’ve Let Go,” a country rock anthem that sounds like a lost Avett Brothers track.

“Looking For You” and “Fire Red Horse” are both the classic, storytelling songs almost guaranteed on Americana albums. “You Can Be All Kinds Of Emotional” is another seemingly soft narrative. Similarly, two anthems of sorts are “Bleeding Out” and “Teach Me To Know.” They act as almost Christian rock - sing-alongs laced with inspirational lyrics. 

“You Don’t Love Me Like You Used To” is my own personal favorite. A back-and-forth conversation between a boy and girl, this track functions as the ideal sassy country song to dance to under a Pinterest-inspired patio.  The song seems adorable until you realize that the couple is actually not pleased with each other. 

I guess in the long-run, that Spotify advertisement was correct. With slow rhythmic melodies, The Lone Bellow will leave you wondering how this is only their first album.  With tender lyrics and soothing beats, you may have to check the album to make sure it's not the Civil Wars or Mumford and Sons, two more experienced bands.  Hearing this type of sound from newbies only leaves us with excitement for what the future may hold for the Lone Bellow.  

 

 

The album can be bought for $7.99 on iTunes. 

Contact Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito here.