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Indigenous featuring Mato Nanji: Vanishing Americans

Melodic Blues Rock

4.0/5.0

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Shrapnel Records
by Craig Hartranft,  07.04.2013

Indigenous is a rather successful blues rock band powered by the licks of Nakota native American guitarist Mato Nanji (pronounced 'mah-TOE non-GEE'). In their early years they received several best Native American Music Awards; in the early 2000's several albums peaked on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart. For the longest time the band was a family affair, but since 2006 Nanji has basically leading the band, ergo the 'featuring' bit in the title.

Mato Nanji: sees the writing on the wall.

Raised on his father's blues records collection, Nanji draws from the greats like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Steve Ray Vaughn, yet crossing lines by taking cues from Bonnie Raitt or Carlos Santana. But mostly he's a straight up blues guitar player, and Vanishing Americans, their tenth(?) album is basically more hard blues than rock. And this fact my spurn all but the strict blues lovers.

That's not to say that there aren't some rockers here. Lovely Road, Don't Be Afraid, and Now That the Sunshine is Gone are real blues rock kickers. Something like In My Sights, a fast number, also has that rock groove. But most everything else simply drips with that raw, sometimes grinding, blues sound. Moon Is Rising, Can't Cry No More, and the long Dark Days are swollen with gripping blues riffs and licks, promising to satisfy the most hardcore blues fan. As much as I love the blues, and I do, considering the amount of songs and length of the album, Vanishing Americans is probably best listened to in portions. Maybe play a third and then switch to some other genre before returning. Otherwise, Vanishing Americans is simply solid American blues from a talented guitarist. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Vanishing Americans is simply solid American blues from a talented guitarist.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]