photo by Annie Price; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

by James Morris, Contributing Blogger

Single Review of Cain Rising: “Rear View Mirror”

cover artwork by Julian O’Dell; image courtesy of Cain Rising

Let me start by saying that if you haven’t ever heard Cain Rising before, then you should first go explore their self-titled debut album from last year. Within its 11 tracks you will discover a familiar charm of classic-style American rock, delivered in a rootsy, down-to-earth way. You could easily mistake much of what you hear as coming from America’s heartlands with its mix of country, folk, and rock. Actually, what you have are a bunch of excellent musicians led by Southside Jimmy all from the UK but steeped in the influences of the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty or Bob Dylan.

photo by Matt Crawford; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

The band was formed in 2014 by Jim Price with longtime collaborators and friends Jez and Jo Parry. The line-up on these new recordings includes guitarist Ian Hopper, Matt Crawford on Hammond and piano, and Mick Ivory on drums.

The new single, “Rear View Mirror,” follows seamlessly on from the last album but with even more swagger and confidence.

This is the first release of 5 songs all destined for an EP release in July. This first glimpse of what is to come introduces the new band line-up and the addition of some really infectious, bright and joyous brass. These musical elements couple perfectly with the great songwriting of Southside Jimmy, and the result is an excellent summery song following the theme of hitting the road and getting away from it all.

photo by Matt Crawford; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

From the first strums of the uplifting intro, the introduction of the brass, and the full steam ahead approach, I was happily hooked. Seemingly effortlessly, the song led me quickly to the catchy chorus, which put me in mind of the driving type of thing Elvis Costello used to do on things like “I Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down.” Three minutes and eight seconds pass in the blink of an eye, and when it was done I found myself wanting to press play on it, over and over again.

photo by Annie Price; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

If this is the quality of what is to come later in the summer with the release of the EP, then I have to say that I really don’t want to have to wait. Luckily for me the band are going to digitally release all 5 songs one at a time in the coming weeks before the final EP is available.

The 5-track EP will also include all out rocker “Glasgow City Spires”; “Walk My Way” – rock meets swing – with horns from Rebecca Gibson Swift and Pablo Mendelssohn; “Soldier” – highlights the band’s love of strong vocal harmony bands such as The Eagles & CSNY; and Social Man – a tense, raw and intimate country song.

Patience will be hard to find, but at least this drip feed approach will go some way to slake my appetite for Cain Rising’s excellent new releases.

photo by Annie Price; photo courtesy of Cain Rising

“Rear View Mirror” is out now to download or stream. Further releases are due out between now and final EP release in July.

If you are in the UK, you can catch Cain Rising play live on July 2nd at Ampthill Festival, September 2nd at Catfest in Salford, or on October 21st at the Wheatsheaf in Leighton Buzzard.

Follow them on Twitter at @CainRising or visit their website at http://www.cainrising.rocks/.