Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

The psyche and the brain is so strong, its ability to observe and absorb so much that in times of desperation and heartache it can turn something so terrible, so unimaginably horrific, into a triumph; it is in the ever dependable spirit that the sub-consciousness revels in the chance to stand with honour, no matter just how bad the situation that had been survived was.

In recent American history there has probably not been a worse natural disaster throughout the last hundred years than the day Hurricane Katrina tore through the city of New Orleans; let down by Government, let down by the world, it is not surprising just how much resentment is still felt in that city in the southern state. Yet out of hopelessness and despair, out of anger and disgust, can come some something beautiful, something that drives dreams and brings hope. In Honey Island Swamp Band’s album Demolition Day that hope is powerful and connecting and it is one that should be held up as glowing example of what time can bring once all else is lost.

Hurricane Katrina may have split New Orleans apart but out of the damage, out of the despair, came a freedom for the musicians that make up Honey Island Swamp Band, and whilst there is nothing that can replace the loss, Aaron Wilkinson, Chris Mulé, Trevor Brooks, Sam Price and Garland Paul make the sound of downtown New Orleans, that exotic beat and movement, sing with passion and just cause once more.

Humanity prevails because of art, because of music and the anticipation that greets each sunrise, it is a greeting that is received with endeavour and the mix of anger with searching for peace that rides throughout Demolition Day as if the exercise in reassurance was brought on by the need to rid the world of the final vestige of the devastation that was wrought on the city; the memory will live long, the shame on the political elite hopefully last forever but the healing has begun and music, especially in this particular album must be praised for playing its part.

With tracks such as Head High Water Blues, Medicated, Katie and Devil’s Den all leaving their sizeable mark on the listener’s own conscious mind, Honey Island Swamp Band knock down the barriers between anguish and hope; it is a hope that has been worth waiting for.

Ian D. Hall