Davy Knowles will release Three Miles From Avalon on Oct. 14. A bluesy-rock album, it successfully draws listeners in with honest character.
Davy Knowles in an Isle of Man-born artist. After honing his guitar and vocal skills at home, Knowles came to the United States and settled in Chicago with his band Back Door Slam. Now creating work under his own banner, Knowles will release Three Miles From Avalon on Oct. 14. The new record is a blues-infused rock album with ample nods to the singer’s past and present homes.
Three Miles From Avalon opens with a strong southern rock-style track entitled “Ain’t Much of Nothing.” Leading with bold guitar riffs, Knowles sets the stage for a soulful record. There is no lacquer on this tune – just honest rock with a toe-tapping rhythm.
A feel of authenticity permeates all of Three Miles From Avalon. Tracks such as “What You’re Made Of” and “Three Miles From Avalon” highlight this sincerity. Knowles sounds as though he is directly addressing listeners on “What You’re Made Of.” With smooth vocals, a real message and wailing guitars, it contains the slightest hint of gospel sensibilities in arrangement. “Three Miles From Avalon” has a softer sound than much of the album, with a personal feel.
Embracing Modern Blues
“Falling Apart” is a dark gem in the middle of Three Miles From Avalon. This blues song features a voice seemingly beyond Knowles’ years. A resulting slightly gruff and yet compelling presentation pulls listeners in as the song builds in energy and angst. In the tradition of many great blues songs, there is something vaguely sensual and simultaneously heartbreaking about the vocals. Once again, excellent string work shines through, driving the tune.
Immediately following “Falling Apart” is “Never Gonna Be the Same.” With pulsing bass lines, this folk-infused song contains deeper vocals and harder rhythms. Knowles seems to trade in his flannel for a black leather jacket in this tune. Next, Knowles’ Chicago influences show through in the electric blues-rock track “Down on Government Row.”
Three Miles From Avalon continues to grab listeners with “Oxford Mississippi.” While maintaining his unique identity, Knowles seems to throw in a hint of Johnny Cash, a sprinkling of Jimi Hendrix and Dylan-esque folk story telling. Particularly driving sounds make this a standout track, which does not easily leave a listener’s mind.
Wrapping up Three Miles From Avalon is the beautifully executed “What in The World.” Containing darker tones in musicality and a hefty dose of blues, it features a jazz structure. “What in the World” would be well suited to sipping scotch late night at the Blue Note in Greenwich Village.
Showcasing Character
Knowles and his band turned in an excellent album with Three Miles From Avalon. It is refreshing to hear young artists producing blues-rock tunes with a huge emphasis on instrumentation. With a jazz/blues jam influence on the aesthetics; musicians are able to showcase their passion and technical capabilities. Three Miles From Avalon is a mature record with a lot of character. Listeners will look forward to hearing more from Davy Knowles.