Sometimes, it only takes two–at least that’s the case for Kacy Anderson and Clayton Linthicum who respectively make up the folky-Americana duo called Kacy & Clayton. Their music is traditional Blue Mountain-style–simplistic yet layered, harmoniously balanced, pure. There’s a hint of nature in their songs, a sense of spirituality, a sound that’s poetic and bent, as though it’s slightly morphed into something else because of the rivers, the mountains, the land.
For being such young musicians, their first album called The Day is Past & Gone is a rich introduction. Kacy’s vocals are mirror-smooth. Clayton’s vocals are subtle (hear him on songs like “Wood View” and “I’ll Be so Glad”) but his presence is always known. And with her on violin and he on banjo and guitar, their music becomes something sweet yet mysterious. It embodies the feeling like something is about to happen. But what? If you were listening to them play around a campfire, watching their intensity and their soulful approach to playing songs, this would be when the rain started–but everyone watching doesn’t move. Their music is too good to move. So everyone just pulls their sweaters tighter, huddles closer, and thinks to themselves, Damn, these two are so crazy good–even in this blue-cold rain. But that’s what’s beautiful about their songs. It’s the perfect blend of warm light and rain.
Kacy & Clayton released a second album called Strange Country just last year, which exposes a more energetic side to the second-cousin pair. Kacy’s Joan Baez-ish vocals still shine, while Clayton moves up a step on this record and pushes forward a thicker, more Nashville-like tone, especially on songs like “Brunswick Stew” and “Down at the Dancehall.” Kacy & Clayton play at Mercury Lounge June 23.
Mercury Lounge
6/23
Doors 6:30 p.m.
$12
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