The Heavy-Hearted Williamson Brothers
Someone once told me that the Williamson Brothers are the loudest band they’ve ever seen/heard live. I believe them.
Both Adam and Blake Williamson substantiate that lore on their new album “Aquila” with their amps—and just about everything else—bouncing into the red.
On its face, the record is a carefree rocker. But there’s a lot of heart driving these 12 songs—you just have to dig into the lyrics to uncover the personal stories and themes underlying the whole thing.
“All These Years” is a prime example. It’s a meat-and-potatoes power pop tune that honors a single mother and dismisses an absentee father. It’s a song dedicated to a mom who did her best despite the circumstances and made life enjoyable and adventurous for her kids. In the hands of a trite folk artist, the tune could be super sappy. But the Williamson Brothers juxtapose the sweetness of the lyrics with pounding instrumentation and a fury-laden chorus: “Who’s that knocking on my door? I know it ain’t my father. I know he wouldn’t bother.” They don’t dwell on dad, though. Instead, it’s all about honoring mom—and other influential women—on this one, and it’s the kind of tribute song that only brothers could write.
Blake Williamson (left) and Adam Williamson (right).
As you embark on the second half of the record, prepare yourself for a couple unexpected moments, including the epic “No Place to Fall.” I didn’t see this one coming. It’s a surprising, near-operatic tune that continuously builds (almost to the point of being frustrating). But Adam and Blake—and their bandmates Justin Colburn and Mike Gault—find the perfect moment to let the track resolve and soar, and it’s pretty powerful when it does. Listen to it loudly in the car at night and take in the closing lyrics: “We’ll close the chapter // The longest night turns into dawn.”
Of course, there are some straight-ahead rockers as well, including “Dance Machine,” “Forgotten Generation,” and “Give Me Peace.” They still explore unique stories and themes, though, ranging from finding love to losing yourself at a show. Along the way, you’ll hear echoes of Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Big Star, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and plenty more.
So, turn it up, bang your head, and listen to what these fellas have to say … even if it’s loud as hell. It’s worth it.
“Aquila” is out July 25 courtesy of the great Dial Back Sound imprint based in Water Valley, Mississippi.
