I have had some time since the July release of Even The Undertaker to fully immerse myself in this project. The Americana sound which is captured in its purest form is on display here for anyone looking for a contemporary folk sound fused with Pop and Country undertones. With its majestic vocals consistently being complimented by a fiddle, Once Great Estate offers Southern hospitality and that down-home vibe that is proving to work for this group. Vocalist Tracy Horenbein utilizes her mezzo-soprano vocal styles to help shape the melodies of the guitar and fiddle to really drive that Americana feels. This is especially present in the title track from Even The Undertaker as the fiddle almost takes the center stage, above even the vocals. This works, as the melodies are able to be harmonized with the vocals to make this track rich and crisp in that bright tone the band is striving for. Other tracks like “Southern Song”, feature more of an acoustic guitar melody, which drives the rhythm giving the fiddle a more accented role. This, then gives the vocals the spotlight to really explore her phrases and musical concepts in ways that praise and endorse the subject matter of the theme. Throughout Even the Undertaker, these rich metaphors in the lyrics create dynamic imagery which commemorates the Southern Roots feel, which the band encapsulates with ease.
For my pick of debut single, “Shelbyville Inn” incorporates more of that traditional Country aesthetic, while structuring the song in a more pop arrangement. This should be a great starting place to fully get immersed in Once Great Estate. Each track on Even The Undertaker gives its own perspective of the Southern feel, while the production has it blended together in a cohesive whole to give the listener a complete album feel. This is an album that should be listened to in its entirety, as each performer is given plenty of opportunities to showcase what they are bringing to the project. This is highly effective as the lack of ego, and showmanship allows the song to be more enjoyable and consumable. This is a testament to the mature and professional players which make up Once Great Estate. This is a very enjoyable album which should be experienced, and if this unbiased review should help point out, this is a project worthy of investment, as it reaches at the heartstrings and challenges the listener to absorb the harmonies which Once Great Estate seem to have a mastery over.
–Lee Callaghan
