The Lonesome Valley Singers
Corpse Circus Revue
Music-Critic.ca
September 2007

The indie-bluegrass scene has picked up momentum over the last couple of years, much to the rejoicing of fans of the genre and the disappointment of those who find it near unbearable. Victoria’s the Lonesome Valley Singers have got the style figured out, combining typical twang with requisite indie glockenspiel and trumpet.

Their latest, Corpse Circus Revue, is what every bluegrass fan could desire: driving banjo, washboard, accordion, some yodeling and a rough-around-the-edges lead singer in David Chenery. The album’s title track and opener begins eerily and paints the picture of a wind-swept scene that builds into a full-on polka/waltz tune with interjecting drum hits.

‘When We Will Be Loved’ is an endearing track with pleasant harmonies and some underlying vibes, as the band laments about love. The song displays the Singers’ softer sides, acting as a refreshing change from their other faster-paced tracks. A shining specimen of the indie-bluegrass genre, ‘The Long Misery’ features lyrics about love found and lost with Chenery’s voice dripping with country lust, pushed on by laid-back brushes on a snare and some very twangy guitar.

While not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, Corpse Circus Revue is a great album for those times when you just need a good ol’ knee-slappin’, toe-tappin’ time.

- Amanda Hu