Music Critic Reviews Cole Chaney’s Album “In The Shadow of the Mountain”
carry a grunge influence. While the title track and the song “Grind” lean more towards Appalachian country rock, with the song “The Unsatisfied” almost resembling bluegrass, the album’s tempo overall remains slow, plodding, and lengthy. Each track aims to transport listeners to a specific place, inducing a trance-like state. For those patient enough to immerse themselves fully, Chaney succeeds in achieving this effect numerous times, notably with the epic 6-minute track “Spirit,” which embeds itself deeply within the listener.
The album’s final two songs, “Feels Like Rain” and “Alone?” prominently showcase the grunge influences, though traces of it can be found throughout the album. Despite the sound leaning towards grunge, the writing remains rooted in the Appalachian experience. Tracks like “In The Shadow of the Mountain” and “Grind” exude classic coal country and blue-collar themes, respectively. However, some of Chaney’s lyrics may come off as clichéd, with certain songs feeling dated in today’s context.
Cole Chaney received initial acclaim in 2021 amidst the surge of coal-centric songs and Kentucky-themed music. While his sophomore album continues to garner critical praise, particularly from Rolling Stone, comparing him to Stapleton, Sturgill, and Childers, may set unrealistic expectations. By taking his time to develop his musical career and resisting the urge to capitalize on the Appalachian trend, Chaney carves out a unique niche for himself.
“In The Shadow of the Mountain” demands patience from its audience, but the reward is an immersive musical experience that surpasses many of his peers. Chaney’s deliberate approach to his artistry allows him to stand out from the mountainous careers of his Kentucky counterparts. This album showcases Chaney’s ability to blend grunge influences with Appalachian roots to create a sound uniquely his own, appealing to listeners seeking a deeper level of engagement. Overall, the album offers a distinctive and immersive listening experience that sets Cole Chaney apart as a promising artist in the country music scene.