(Photo by JillRyan Photography)
If one had not seen this band live, one would think that with the name The Clementines, this would be a roots country or bluegrass band. When you cue up the first song of their new EP Someday/Over, the first sounds you hear are a bass intro that sounds vaguely reggae-like, then the first song "Afraid" kicks in with a definite reggae feel. The next, "In Yesterday," changes the mood with some quiet folky acoustic guitar picking and understated vocal by Nicole Springer, then moves into a country shuffle. The addition of the rhythm section of Aaron Derrington and Travis Earnshaw has broadened the reach of this band, which started as an acoustic duo with Springer on vocals and guitar and Tim Jenkins on lead guitar.
The next song shifts gears once again with the instrumental portion of "Misery" sounding a little like middle-period Fairport Convention, with a driving beat and excellent vocals from Springer. This is followed by a quiet but passionate acoustic love song called "Only in The Darkness."
The EP ends with the sonic blast of the title track, which begins with some nice acoustic guitar and ethereal vocals, then builds to a galloping beat with lots of tasty lead guitar from Jenkins and a slight Spanish/flamenco feel.
Lots of bands lately are doing EP releases. Not only does this save them money, it’s a good idea to keep new material coming out every few months in EP form instead of releasing a full-length album that would not likely be followed up for another year or so. This keeps bands in the public’s eye (and ears) every few months with new releases, much like bands used to put out singles every three or four months back in the ‘60s. This new EP showcases The Clementines’ versatility and works well as a nice introductory sampler for those not familiar with their work.
The Deli KC is helping present The Clementines’ album release show at Voodoo this Friday, May 9. Show starts at 8 p.m. The B’Dinas and Katy Guillen & the Girls will also be playing. Facebook event page. See below for a video of "In Yesterday," the first single off the EP.
—Barry Lee
Barry is host of KKFI 90.1’s Signal To Noise Sundays at 8 p.m. During the day he’s Station Manager at KKFI.