Coming on like a Son Volt rocker ballad, Magnolia Summer’s opened up the second night of St. Louis’ Twangfest with a song that could also evoke R.E.M. Throughout their set, they traded off balladry and rockers, sometimes letting songs build in intensity like on “Diminished Returns.” Yet, they’re at their best when they’re really clicking along rather than meandering down the ballad path.
“By Your Side” leads up to its rocking state which means you have to give Magnolia Summer time to develop, time to grab you, because “By Your Side” gets to a place where there’s an intense jam trading off between the lead guitar and fiddle.
The set shined strongest when the Funky Butt Brass Band joined Magnolia Summer on stage. They added a real spark and soul to the sound. This is where Magnolia Summer needs to go: soul-twang. You can hear bits of this on their recent EPs, but let’s hope there’s even more in store from this St. Louis band.
Magnolia Summer
Undertow Music
