Lance Mills‘ “Green Mountain Saturday Night” is an ambitious album, evident from the extensive lineup of musicians and instruments showcased on the Bandcamp page. With twelve tracks spanning a diverse range of genres, Mills takes listeners on a ride that felt a little like a roller coaster.
The opening track, “Hi-Way 5 Drive In Saturday Night,” pays homage to classic, timeless genres with nods to 50s rock, pop elements, and a touch of Boogie-woogie. It sets a celebratory tone for the album, inviting listeners to revel in the musical variety.
“Lordy Lordy” exudes elements of southern gothic, reminiscent of Tom Waits but with a less somber tone. “Old Number 13” immerses itself in a heavy delta blues flavor, while “Brushwood Road” channels the spirit of 70s classic rock. The poignant ballad, “I Let Her Fall,” and the intimate, melancholic “When Sarah Dances” showcase Mills‘ versatility in exploring different emotions and styles.
Throughout the album, Mills delves into narrow and defined genres with each track, creating a rich and varied musical experience. However, I couldn’t really find that x-factor which tied the songs together which creates a signature and singular sound. Mills seems to flirt with genres, making it challenging for listeners to grasp a consistent musical identity.
Individual tracks shine on their own merits. “Rope Tow Boogie” delivers predictable but enjoyable classic rock vibes, while “Jessie’s Song” captures a Pink Floyd-esque atmosphere. In conclusion, Green Mountain Saturday Night effectively pays homage to older genres to a tee but doesn’t expand on them. If you’re looking for something familiar but new this might be for you.
