BARD - Angels Got His Back
New Jersey groovy rock-blues outfit BARD present their debut album 'Angels Got His Back', released via the dynamic indie Montclair imprint Magic Door Records. Also known as The BARD Band, the collective worked with renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Luna, Gramercy Arms) on this album, who recorded, mixed and mastered it at Magic Door Recording.
BARD was formed in 2017 by college friends Jamie Pagliaro (acoustic guitar, lead vocals) and Michael Schreiber (keyboard, organ, vocals), who had lost touch for two decades. The lineup grew to include Dave Menez (bass guitar, vocals), Mike Potenza (electric guitar, vocals) and David Kolk (drums, percussion, vocals), each bringing his own unique musical sensibilities. This fusion resulted in a rich texture of sounds, enhanced by a cohesive approach to dynamics, tone, and articulate sound mix.
Each song on this album is a testament to BARD's ability to blend soulful melodies with profound lyrics, creating an emotional tapestry that resonates long after the music fades. Their "New Classic Rock" offering laces a soulful rock-groove in uplifting music that inspires and unites through infectious rhythm. Initially inspired by Shakespeare, BARD's vision of setting poems to music quickly expanded from the works of famed poets to original poems by Jamie Pagliaro. A product of their collaborative process, each member makes their own unique contribution to the structure and composition of each song.
Weaving intricate narratives with poetic lyrics that resonate deeply with the human experience, this album is a lyrical journey through the timeless themes of love, loss, reflection, and the passage of time. 'We Flattered Be' opens up the album by delving into the complexities of relationships, where trust and deception intertwine, echoing Shakespearean themes of love and betrayal. In contrast, the title track 'Angels Got His Back' paints a celestial picture of a departed child embraced by angels, exploring themes of comfort and transcendence amidst loss.
The album's soul-searching tracks 'We Are Such Stuff' and 'Young Just Yesterday' capture poignant reflections on life's fleeting nature and the regrets that accompany it. These songs evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection, offering a glimpse into the human condition. Finally, 'Dread Not The Ferryman' takes listeners on a dark journey through mythical realms and eerie encounters, showcasing BARD's versatility in storytelling and musical depth.
BARD's music is as much inspired by soulful singers like Marvin Gaye and Van Morrison, the funky sounds of the Doobie Brothers and Grover Washington's jazz as they are by classic rock influences like Neil Young and The Band, the Allman Brothers' southern rock and the jam band style of the Grateful Dead, not to mention a touch of country sensibility.
In contrast to their 2002 debut EP 'Come Back Often', which leans on their indie-folk roots with elements of country and rock, BARD's new album represents an evolutionary step forward, highlighting the incorporation of funk and soul elements, while also allowing space for more improvisation and textured percussive elements.
From their inception to their evolving sound and dedicated live performances, BARD continues to build a dedicated following and make their mark in the music scene. Thriving on live performances, delighting diverse audiences at festivals, community events, breweries and coffee shops, they are known for their engaging shows, energizing audiences with positive vibes.
As of October 4, the album 'Angels Got His Back' is available everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.
