On their 7th LP, the Alynda Segarra lead group park themselves at the intersection of sweet, nostalgic Americana melodies and the continued realization that the ever moving hands of time don't wait for anybody.
As we get older, that feeling of time slipping away from us becomes more and more of an inevitability. It can be harsh and painful, but often times is bittersweet and nostalgic. In general, I think Americana/Alt Country music tends to capture this feeling incredibly well. There's something about the sweet crooning of better days set to some smooth, rustic musical accompaniment that just hits that sweet spot.
That brings me to the record I'll be talking about today! 'The Past Is Still Alive' is the 7th LP released by Alynda Segarra under the Hurray for the Riff Raff banner, and admittedly is the first one I've had the pleasure of listening to. This record is chock full of bittersweet nostalgic tunes, some killer production, and a vocalist that has the charisma to lead it all. Segarra's songwriting really strikes a pleasant and painful tone, and their voice is sneakily good and accents the writing well.
'Alibi' opens the record with a bang, and the opening lines are still swirling in my head as I write this. 'Hawkmoon' laments on a passionate and fiery love affair, and the song itself wouldn't sound that out of place in some of Bruce Springsteen's most Americana infused albums. 'Snake Plant (the Past is Still Alive)' is a poetic and musically dynamic tune about love and loss. On 'Hourglass', Segarra croons about the feeling that the world is moving on without you. I could go on and highlight something I like about nearly every track, but it's best listened to with your own ears.
There aren't really a ton of low points to speak of throughout the 11 track, 36 minute runtime. 'The Past is Still Alive' is a varied, daring, and powerfully lead record and I'm so glad that Alynda Segarra and their talents are now on my radar. If you are a fan of Folk, Alt Country, or Americana, there is surely something here for you and I can't recommend this release highly enough!
Standout tracks: Alibi, Hawkmoon, Snake Plant (The Past is Still Alive), Hourglass, The World is Dangerous, Ogalla
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