Consuelo's Revenge Retaliates with Second Album, "Mercy"

Bob Giusti

“Mercy!!” is what you may exclaim when you hear the fourteen song second offering by area favorite, Consuelo's Revenge, a band that has really honed in on its skilled ability to write good songs that make you feel like you know them.

Representing true "campfire material," meaning that these songs could be performed in their barest form, and yet we the listener are treated to whirlwind arrangements collectively (and cunningly) relying on traditional folk, blues and Klezmer (believe it) to concoct an energizing and compelling musical base.

Having seen CR’s live shows for about three years it was no surprise to hear the seamless translation from the stage to studio as the current lineup blasts from a rocker like Sledgehammer to the gypsy trance of Persephone.

Jeremiah James is a traditional sounding blues ballad that is followed by the very danceable Palatine Light making this record flow with what would amount to a really good live set as well as an eclectic tracking arrangement.

RI’s favorite vampire Mercy Brown also gets her due with a stellar waltz that evokes haunting imagery (“…a tree where the wolves go to die”) while showcasing CR’s authentic instrumental diversity.

All of the group contribute to “the sound that the midnight storm makes outside your door when you're alone and you've had one too many glasses of bourbon” with propulsive and tasteful drum work from John Ferreira, strongly supported by the meaty bass playing of singer/songwriter (also of Route 44) Ian Lacombe. Becca Neveau (member of local faves Leiko) lends her keyboard and vocal harmonies while Alicia Ruggiero (who also sings) provides the searing violin that helps capture the authenticity of CR’s gypsy soul. Add to that the accordion and guitar articulations of Kirk Anderson and the excited energy of vocalist/acoustic guitarist Nick Smyth and you have the recipe for why this group can provide such a glorious din.

Then of course we have the center of this perfect storm; Amanda Salemi who is truly the voice of Consuelo’s Revenge. Having literally watched her grow (well she’s still short) as a songwriter, she is one of the most compelling performers in the area and her voice sounds like it has lived a life much longer than her years.

Consuelo’s Revenge is officially releasing Mercy at a live performance at Aurora (276 Westminster St.) tonight (October 30th). If you can’t make this show to pick up a hard copy CD you should make the investment in local product and seek out ways (band camp,Amazon,Reverb Nation etc) to get this superb collection.

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