EP Review: The Cains

Courtesy Aristo PR

Hailing from Alabama, The Cains, a trio comprised of siblings Taylor, Madison and Logan, made an impact on the U.K. country scene earlier this year following breakout performances at C2C. Additionally, the group wrote and performed a song for the Bravo TV series “Southern Charm” and was selected to be one of Renegade Radio and The Walt Disney Company's faces of "Young Country." Last week, on July 21st, the trio released their newest project, a self titled EP. 

The EP’s opening track and first single, “Journey’s End” is a sprawling, yet percussive song of optimism and love that is highlighted by the trio’s vocals and lovely harmonies. The remaining four songs blend country, folk, pop and a somewhat dark, gothic sound with true storytelling. “Smoke On The Hill” is a haunting song about family violence that paints a picture of a daughter still dealing with the memories and aftermath of dealing with an abusive father (really listen to this song). The mixed sentiments of “Knock Knock” deal with a change a romantic relationship where his vacancy and unavailability has her trying to break through to the love she once knew “beating on the door of your heart.”

“Down To The Water” has religious undertones and a gospel feel which finds her asking for redemption to live anew with a love. “So take me down to the water wash my stains in the river/’Cause these hands were not made to carry sin/Oh my past it does a haunt me, but shame can’t live where love has brought me/ Tear the page out of your book and write again.” While closing track, “Miss Red White and Blue,” with its perfectly paired instrumentation (fiddle and banjo), evokes a warning about a seemingly all American girl who might not be above breaking your heart and the law.

With this project, The Cains have demonstrated their knack for storytelling while blending genres into something all of their own. Definitely give it a listen.

---