Ralway Bell - I Am A Superhero

Ralway Bell

I Am A Superhero
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Close your eyes and imagine what an Australian band playing Americana-style music would sound like? All right well maybe that’s not working out so well so just take a listen to I Am A Superhero by Ralway Bell. Turns out it sounds a lot like an American band playing Americana-infused pop/rock. I Am A Superhero is a five-song EP that contains stellar production from a band who can knows how to bring the goods. The songs aren’t anything you haven’t heard before but if you enjoy country music and also need to have a steady diet of Ryan Adams and Tom Petty than you should get acquainted with I Am A Superhero.

Ralway Bell is a five-piece band comprised of Ben Wilson (vocals and guitar), Jeremy Threlfall  (pedal steel and guitar), James Allsop (guitar), Alex Briscan (bass) and Cain Munns (drums). The guitars are warm while the songs mix grit and nostalgia. From the moment your ears first hear the songs it doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to enjoy them. You won’t be scratching your head and wondering what style they are going to attempt next.

The album starts off strong and really doesn't let go till it’s over. First up is “I Am A Superhero.” It has a progressive energy in the same way older Tom Petty songs have. The music isn’t the most technically impressive thing I have heard this month but the band seems to be more concerned with the pop sensibility of the song.

The second track “Maybe You Were Right” contains some irresistible pedal steel. I love the way that instrument sounds and when it’s captured like it has been on this EP than you can take it to the bank. “Maybe You Were Right” is covered in a good amount of melancholy, which in my opinion always sounds good when combined with country/folk. 

“Down To The River” felt like the centerpiece of the album as well the most “single worthy” song out of the five. The vocal melodies were pretty infectious even after your first listen.

I Am A Superhero is probably a bit too mainstream sounding for hipsters to embrace but I think that a good majority of people who appreciate classic rock, country music and folk will welcome this one. It wasn’t a flawless EP but it was pretty enjoyable in my book. 

Become A Fan

Tweet