Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The Apache Relay


I have to thank Young the Giant for their incredible choice of opening bands because as good as YTG was live, the Apache Relay was better. The band first caught my attention last summer in Central Park. As mentioned, the Apache Relay was one of the bands that opened for Young the Giant. The group was absolutely phenomenal and I found myself gravitating towards the merchandise booth at the close of their set. The album was worth every penny.

The Apache Relay American Nomads
Apache Relay is one of the rare bands that add genuine character to its music. There is a soulful quality about each of the songs that creates an overwhelming feeling of heartfelt sincerity. There is a distinct synergy between lyrics and melodies that emphasizes the universal talent of the band members. For most groups or artists, vocals and instrumentals tends to drown one another out. It is incredibly rare to come across a group in which there is a concise equality between the two. The Apache Relay uses each of their songs as a means of accentuating the specific talents of the individual artists within the band.

While one song focuses heavily on the penetrating vocals of Michael Ford Jr. the next focuses on the intricate synchronization of guitar and drums. There is no single star which makes the band that much more likeable. The exceptional blend of music and lyrics highlights the fact that the band itself is the perfect blend of people. Unconcerned with overshadowing one another as a means of highlighting individual talent, the Apache Relay instead focuses on creating a distinctive sound that is entirely their own. The likeable nature of the band stems from their ability to create a fusion of sounds unlike anything currently on the radio.

The Apache Relay

The combination of acoustic and electric rock produces an incredibly appealing style of music. The Apache Relay has done a remarkable job at invoking a variety of emotions within their listeners. Songs such as Lost Kid combine a raw hardness with an uplifting sincerity that, rather than confusing audiences, becomes an inspirational anthem that speaks to many. It is this combination of gritty resilience and energetic vigor that has led to the incredible audience reception of the Apache Relay.

The Apache Relay Lost Kid

Likewise, Home is Not Places, is a song that invokes an insurmountable feeling of yearning and appreciation. There is an equal appreciation for the raw tenor of Ford and the almost heartbreaking melody of the accompanying instrumentals. The ability to jump from hard rock, to soft blues, to energetic indie is what makes the Apache Relay that much more admirable. The band’s music holds steady throughout the albums and intensifies from one song to the next.

The Apache Relay Home is Not Places

Each of the full-length albums released by the Apache Relay are consistent with one another. Rather than creating an entirely new sound from one album to the next, the Apache Relay executed minor adjustments, which only added to the already phenomenal tone of the music. 1988 was an incredible first album, however, American Nomad is where the Apache Relay truly finds their footing. The raw grittiness of the first album is further emphasized in the second, making it that much more personal and genuine. 

While much of the newer generation deliberately steers clear of anything even slightly associated with bluegrass music, the Apache Relay’s versatility and unprocessed sound are appealing enough to draw in listeners of all ages. The Apache Relay offers something for anyone who has the slightest interest in music. Incredible vocals matched by equally astounding instrumentals suggest that the Apache Relay will go far.

Band Members:
Michael Ford Jr.
Mike Harris
Brett Moore
Aaron Early
Ben Ford
Kellen Wenrich

Check out the official Apache Relay website to stay up to date on upcoming tours, new music, and video premiers. While you’re there head on over to the merchandise store and pick up some hardcopies of the band’s albums along with a shirt or two!

Head over to iTunes and do yourself a favor by buying the Apache Relay albums!

The Apache Relay on Social Media:


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