The strangely named, Southeast Engine, are a rustic bunch that might be Appalachian hillbillies that just happen to know how to play instruments. Their album, Canary, is like listening to multiple shots of whiskey chased with moonshine at a broken down log cabin in the middle of nowhere. It's a slightly depressing listen that focuses on the fun and excitement of being dirt poor in the mountains during the Great Depression; not exactly a glimmery shiny pop album then.
While much of Canary is gripped by the Depression, the album still manages to offer the occasional glimmer of hope despite the suffering, struggle, and survival that the songs and the characters are riddled by. While the idea and concept of this record is fascinating, it's just a bit too mind numbingly slow paced for me to really enjoy this record. Maybe because it's too rustic, or too real, or even hits too close to home during the Great Recession, but I find Canary is just too difficult to listen too.
If you like gripping realism, tales from the Depression, and a general sense of woe, this backwoods, and heartfelt album will hit you right between the ears. Fans of old My Morning Jacket and the like will enjoy this album but anyone searching for a good time in the Appalachians or anywhere, really, should search elsewhere.
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