Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs: God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

A mix of slack key guitar, raspy, soulful vocals, with a little funk for some oomph, “God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise” by Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs has a mesmorizing sound. Borderline haunting. The vocals, by none other than Ray LaMontagne, border on thick nostalgia: Nostalgic the same way maple syrup reminds you of September, falling leaves, and pancakes.

The title track characterizes the album. The interlaying layers of slack key guitar, electric undertones, and slow tempo are reminiscent of LaMontagne’s earlier work, while holding out a couple distinct steps away from it as the lyrics promise: “God Willin’ an the creek don’t rise, I’ll be home again before this time next year.” We can only be so hopeful :]

Advertisement