By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Sunday, October 13, 2019

“If there is one thing this past year has taught me, it's the true meaning of the word ‘Unconditional.’” This was part of a eulogy Sammy Kay spoke to a crowded AP Brewery last May, in between new songs that would be on his next album, Civil/War. Five months later, Civil/War has been released into the world, and I truly believe we are all better off for it.

Civil/War is an album unlike anything we have heard from Kay before. While his previous records included influence from ska and roots rock, C/W is a much more stripped back record. Calling upon local musicians and friends from Nashville, TN, Kay is accompanied by lap steel guitar, organ, piano and bone chilling harmonies (e.g. “Thoughts and Prayers"). This record was also recorded at Little Eden by the great Pete Steinkopf, another crucial member of the New Jersey music scene. Additionally, this album was helped funded in part by fellow fans and friends throughout the world.

Civil/War is a heavy album. While album opener “Silver Dollar” invites you with its major chords and harmonica, the mood starts to change almost immediately after. “Thoughts and Prayers” is a title alone that criticizes the way people handle heavy situations these days. The album deals with depression, self-doubt, loss, just about any pain you can imagine. Though the topics and stories may be heavy, the songs provide a deep sense of comfort. The album ends with “Orange Swirl”, the perfect crescendo to cap off the album, leaving the listener to reflect on “fireflies and summer nights.”

Do yourself a favor and listen to Civil/War as soon as possible, and tell your friends and family that you love them.