Music Review: The Grahams, Glory Bound

By Melissa Bratcher

There’s something amazing about The Grahams’ newest album, Glory Bound. It feels absolutely timeless. Alyssa Graham has an unaffected, incredibly powerful voice and the songs feel as if they could have been pulled from country radio in the ‘70s (the last truly excellent country era). There’s an ease to these songs, borne of a couple who have known each other since they were children, and now that they’re married, make the kind of music that feels as if it has always existed: rooted in the earth, clicking along train tracks through the countryside, forever.

At the same time as Alyssa and Doug Graham’s release of Glory Bound, they will also be releasing Rattle The Hocks, a short documentary about the marriage of the railroad and American roots music. Focusing on live recording, it’s directed and produced by Cody Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) and it’s quite arresting. Alyssa Graham’s unbridled charisma is something to behold. A live CD of the soundtrack was included with Glory Bound, and it features a plum version of “City Of New Orleans,” one that swings and bounces along with tuba, trombone, and banjo.

The titular track on Glory Bound is a rambling list of regrets (a night in Barstow on the flats, menthol cigarettes, a nasty attitude, insults hurled, etc.) over a locomotive beat. Alyssa Graham’s delivery, though, isn’t rueful. It’s prideful and soaring, befitting the whip-smart words. Doug Graham’s guitar work is electric, skittering, and lively. The stripped-down, live version of the song found on Rattle The Hocks highlights some nice harmonies between the pair and has a charming, off-the-cuff feel.

The Southern boogie of “Gambling Girl” brings out the rock tendencies in Alyssa Graham’s voice. Here, she sounds like a marriage of Martha Davis of the Motels and Pat Benatar. The rapid-fire delivery of “Kansas City” is bursting with energy, aided by Doug Graham’s nimble fiddle work.

Glory Bound often feels like a classic country album. “Lay Me Down” could be a Lynn Anderson track and Alyssa Graham’s performance is easy, yearning, and nakedly emotional. The time-honored, front-porch country of “Mama” is sweet in its simplicity. It’s a warm, spiritual song, heartbreaking and lovely, with handclaps and harmonies. “Blow Wind Blow” is especially haunting on the verses. The moment Graham slips into her head voice is particularly gorgeous.

Each song on Glory Bound has something to recommend it: the foreboding of “Griggstown,” a story of a woman on the run, but a woman with great strength and fortitude; the evocative accordion of “Borderland” (“Grab your pack and get your trousers high / ‘cause now and then this river catches fire”); and the sweet, warm harmonies of “Biscuits,” a wry, catchy earworm.

It’s hard not to fall in love with Glory Bound and the accompanying Rattle The Hocks. The songwriting is captivating and the stories the Grahams tell are honest and heartfelt. Doug Graham is ridiculously talented, his fingers golden on the strings. Alyssa Graham has the kind of voice that inspires and astounds. Together, The Grahams have made a truly wonderful album.

Glory Bound was released on May 19 by South Records via RED Music (through Sony Music).

Tour Dates:
May 23 – Eddie’s Attic (RtH special screening & performance) – Decatur, GA
May 26 – Monster Music – RECORD DAY IN STORE – Charleston, SC
May 27 – The Royal American (RtH special screening & performance) – Charleston, SC
May 29 – ISIS Lounge (RtH special screening & performance) – Asheville, NC
May 30 – Schoolkids – RECORD DAY IN STORE – Raleigh, NC
June 4 – BK Music – RECORD DAY IN STORE – Richmond, VA
June 6 – Bump ‘n Grind (RtH special screening & performance) – Silver Spring, MD
June 13 – The Soho House (RtH special screening & performance) – New York, NY
June 13 – Rockwood Music Hall 2 – New York, NY
June 25 – AEC Convention – Hollywood, FL
June 30 – Club Cafe (RtH special screening & performance) – Pittsburgh, PA
July 2 – Rhumba Cafe (RtH special screening & performance) – Columbus, OH
July 14 – Willie’s Locally Known (RtH special screening & performance) – Lexington, KY
September 16 – Americana Music Conference – Nashville, TN
November 3 – The Bicycle Shop – Norwich, United Kingdom
November 4 – The Borderline – London, UK
November 5 – River Cottage – Axminster, UK
November 6 – Chapel Arts – Bath, UK
November 7 – The Convent – Stroud, UK
November 8 – Exeter Phoenix – Exeter, UK
November 9 – Kitchen Garden Cafe – Birmingham, UK
November 10 – Henry Tudor House – Shrewsbury, UK
November 11 – The Musician- Leicester, UK
November 12 – The Met (Studio) – Bury (Manchester), UK
November 13 – The Sheep Dip Sessions – Princethorpe, UK
November 14 – The Con Club – Lewes, UK