The Foundry EP

iTunes Review

Following up on the promise of their excellent debut EP, 2011's The Apothecary, The Foundry continues Leland Sundries' raw roots 'n' roll with plenty of rustic arrangements spotlighting Nick Loss-Eaton's instrumental talents on resonator guitar, banjo, harmonium, harmonica, and vocals. Brooklyn, N.Y., may be filled with fledgling alt-country cowboys, but Leland Sundries balance the past with enough modern visuals to make the crossing light and easy. There's a somber undertow to the material, which occasionally pokes it head into the daylight. "Apparition" steadies itself on a major seventh chord that rings with regret and ambivalence, while "Giving Up Redheads" turns a cheeky cheek toward rockabilly. "Bywater Rag" hits the target of an oldtime New Orleans rag with just the right touch of brass and harmonica. "Airstream Transmission" centers on rough, fingerpicked acoustic guitar, a squalling harmonica, and a vocal as rough as Ry Cooder's. "VFW Hall" finishes things with an ominous vibe that's pure noir intrigue.