US Christmas - "The Valley Path"
(Neurot Recordings NR076)
US Christmas - "The Valley Path"
(Neurot Recordings NR076)
From Aural Innovations #43 (October 2011)
US Christmas is back with another record. This time it is one 38 minute long track and a real grower. What I mean by that is that it takes some time for one to absorb this track and get sucked into the vibe. It largely seems like it came from 2 or 3 jams in the studio and it was recorded in August 2010 in Johnston City, Tennessee. There are 6 band regulars and two guests (Tony Wyioming and Travis Kammeyer (who also mixed the record)). The CD has really cool artwork once again that will look amazing on a gatefold vinyl, if this comes out. Anyway, the track starts slow and has that USX vibe and around 6-8 minutes the cello comes in and adds a nice melodic element. Nate is not playing a lot of solos but slow, stoney Dave Brock style melodic guitar that slowly fades away into the spacey quiet sections that appear 3 times over the course of the long track. It is a very nice mood piece and combines many of the aspects I like of this band. Those who like the heavier side of the band like Lazarus, will not find it on this record. This is a really cool piece of music. I heard it will also be released on vinyl.
For more information you can visit the US Christmas web site at: http://www.myspace.com/uschristmas
Reviewed by Scott Heller