Snake Oil & Harmony - 'Hurricane Riders' Label :Zero One Entertainment - Released 28 February 2020

Back in 2014 Danny Vaughn met Dan Reed backstage at Download Festival, the pair felt an affinity right there and after agreeing that they would work together on a new project, Snake Oil & Harmony was born.

Several years later and with two major tours under their belts the two front men have presented us with their first album “Hurricane Riders”.

Without going into too much detail, as these two don’t require too much of an introduction, both highly acclaimed musicians within their own bands, Tyketto and Dan Reed Network and both established solo artists also. There was no lack of material when they did hit the road. Having been present at shows on both tours, I can say we got to hear many fan favourites but there was always more than enough mileage to take the project to the next level.

Obviously this release lacks the bombast that were used to off these two artists, but as the album gets underway with ‘The Lines Are Open’ there is a familiarity to the material, and as it was clear in the live environment this was born of a chemistry that was tried and tested over a number of years. The harmonica adding just another subtle layer to the recording.

‘Last Man Standing’ provides us perhaps the most commercial track on the album. A driving beat encases the track and as it breaks down Dan Reed exclaims “Under cover of darkness I break my promises” the hair goes up on my neck, Dan has done a great job producing this album.

“Aberfan” is sad in contrast with Dan Reed’s voice telling the story of the Aberfan mining disaster in 1966 where amongst the casualties 116 children lost their lives.

“Dance in the Heart of the Sun” quite the contrast with delightful acoustic guitars dancing all over the track. I can hear much more of a Tyketto influence on this track, it’s all really familiar so I’m sure you’ll get the picture once you’ve heard it.

Then there’s the steady tempo of “Another Reason” with Dan Reed providing another thought-provoking set of lyrics.

If they ever thought of tackling the American Country scene then “Damned if You Do” could be the track to launch them into the mix, it’s commercial but hook filled with the lap steel adding depth to the track it’s a surefire hit.

Next up we have “Where the Water Goes”, this was the first track the pair wrote together. It was aired on tour and after the great reception it recieved this was the catalyst to writing a full length album, it’s melancholy that’s for sure but another class track all the same.

We are transported back in time again with “Cannonball” the lap steel present again, it’s so mellow and I get the impression that these tour legendary artists are relishing the change of pace from what people would assume is the norm.

“Save the Day” reminds us that we must rewind back to love, America is very much in the focus here and you must draw your own conclusions, “paradise ain’t made of gold” after all!

Did they leave the best for last? I’ll let you decide for yourself after you have heard “Little Hercules”, in my opinion they have done just that, both vocals intertwining it is an absolute anthem that I cannot wait to hear live and it goes to prove that songs can be dynamic without reaching for the overdrive or distortion pedal, quite excellent.

So there you have it, go and pick this one up, it’s a more than worthy addition to any of the material these two already have out there. I did wonder if the tracks would be distinctively different with them taking turns to offer up a lead vocal but that’s not the case at all and as a body of music it works on every level.

If you like what you hear and you’re not already one of the converted then also do your upmost to catch them on tour through March 2020, the dates are listed below just in case you need further persuasion.

SF

UK TOUR DATES

March 12: Putney, London, The Half Moon
March 13: Milton Keynes, The Craufurd Arms
March 14: Sheffield, Local Authority @ The Corporation
March 15: Newcastle Upon Tyne, The Cluny
March 17: Chester, The Live Rooms
March 18: Bristol, The Fleece
March 20: Aberdare, Wales, Jacs
March 21: Stoke On Trent, Eleven
March 22: Bilston, The Robin 2
March 24: Blackpool, The Waterloo
March 25: Glasgow, Cottiers Theatre
March 27: Manchester, Night People
March 28: Ballymena, NI, The Diamond