The sounds of Americana have deep-seated routes through the southern states of America; from Tennessee to Texas, through South Carolina and within the heart of West Virginia.

Commonly known as “roots music”, the songs often reflect life within the states, told from a blend of folk and blues, with a sprinkling of country, bluegrass, and a touch of good ol’ rock and roll.

One place which may not come to mind when listening to lyrics describing long, winding mountainous roads is England’s most easterly point - Lowestoft. 

 

Where a vibrant nightlife amid it’s clubs, pubs and live music venues once existed, Lowestoft’s musical foundations have sadly, for the most part, vanished. Within the buildings where the atmospheric, open-planned bars once stood, teeming with bands of all descriptions, there lies nothing more than the distant echoes of rock and roll music. However, one man stands at the heart of a plan to bring back live entertainment to this coastal town.

 

"An Ever-Growing Desire for Live Music"

 

Isaac Lister, a singer-songwriter who has lived his entire life within the town, has has made it his personal mission to get music reverberating through the area once more. Being the organiser of local events, including open mic nights and multi-band shows within the town’s theatre, the Seagull, Lister’s passion for proving that there is still an ever-growing desire for live music is extremely admirable. 

Whilst his passion to promote local venues and artists is endearing, the man’s true soul shines through in the songs he has crafted. Whilst he has been writing for many years, it was only recently that Lister felt he had the right material to introduce to the world.

Lister stands proud of his musical achievements, but he takes a detour away from ensuring his own name is front and centre, instead opting to record under the optimist Spectacular Man. A bold statement indeed.

Released on January 13, 2023, The Winding Road to Everywhere features nine songs - all written and composed by Lister.

 

"Mesmerisation and Reminiscing"

 

Opening with ‘Fireside Dance’, we are presented with a gentle acoustic rhythm and soulful harmonica. As Lister sings, his styling is reminiscent of the masterful British Americana band, Danny and the Champions of the World, supported by Lister’s self-harmonisation. To listen with closed eyes, one can easily envisage driving through the vast American highways with the roof down, guided through the journey by Lister’s stories of mesmerisation and reminiscing.

 

Track three, 'Three Stops Away', was the album’s first single, and is one of the standout tracks from the collection. Supported on vocals by Lowestoft-based singer-songwriter, Melanie Packard. The song hints at Lister being within touching distance of reaching something he is striving to be, and advises us he ‘feels real strongly about that’. It is a song of hope, passion, and determination.

 

As the album flows, most songs sit within a similar tempo spectrum whilst effectively using Packard’s vocal support and harmonica integration, as performed by fellow Lowestoft-based musician, Paul Gillings. Whilst this can sometimes be an issue - as songs can begin to sound too similar - I cannot help but find myself engaged with Lister’s creative lyrics. He is a storyteller, reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s more up-tempo folk-pop efforts. The sound reminds me of Dylan’s 1965 album, Highway 61 Revisited, whereby each individual note can be picked out, examined, scrutinised, and enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit - Adam Barnes Photography

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A pleasant change of direction comes in the form of ‘Starlink to Texas (Road of Bones)’, where Lister vocalises imagery of the highways portrayed upon the album’s cover. The track presents pauses in the chugging rhythm, broken by catchy splices of acoustic riff, before engaging the distorted electric guitar that appears to symbolise the feelings hidden behind the song’s lyrics.

 

The journey ends with the closing track, ‘Red Is All the Rage’. With vibes of gospel-inspired introduction entwined in what can be perceived as a sombre tale of regret and closure (or lack-thereof), the track leaves the listener wondering what the ‘mistake’ is, leaving the door open to continue the story within the album’s sequel.

 

"A Finely Polished Overall Sound"

 

What is particularly intriguing about the album's creation is how it was recorded. With clear, crisp instrumentation and a finely polished overall sound, it’s important to acknowledge that Lister recorded the album at home. A guitarist at heart, he set about teaching himself how to play drums, determined to create a pure and heartfelt album of stories - a labour of love. 

Lister has a profoundly powerful voice and when performing live, he pours his passion out across the room, as he closes his eyes, sways his head, and gives his everything - as if in case it may be his last opportunity. Whilst Lister’s vocal ability can be heard throughout the album, the sheer power is missed slightly, but this is forgiven when considering it’s extremely challenging to capture that perfect ‘live’ sound when confined by some restrictions that home recording may present.

 

"Escapism Americana"

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Overall, the album feels like a road trip, and perhaps that was Lister’s intention. A storybook of tales that are relatable, soothing, soulful, and enjoyable, has been created within one man’s bedroom, and for that, Lister deserves recognition. He is someone who can develop catchy songs that allow the listener to close their eyes and, just for a while, take themselves somewhere else. Lister may have created a new genre: Escapism Americana.

 

Don’t take my word for it. Listen to Spectacular Man: The Winding Road to Everywhere on your favourite streaming service here. You can also check out Lister’s Facebook page here.

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Track Listing

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1. Fireside Dance

2. Colonel Cuthbert

3. Three Stops Away

4. Vegas in June

5. Widowmaker

6. Doctor's Chair

7. Starlink to Texas (Road of Bones)

8. Patient Now

9. Red Is All the Rage