It goes without saying, but without Mumford & Sons sparking the banjo’s transformation from laughable to admirable, bands like Judah & the Lion would never have a chance. Since 2013, the industry has seen a remarkable growth in folk-rock jam bands who dress like baristas in Brooklyn but play like founders of bluegrass. This Nashville quartet is one of those bands, proving they can hold their own on the deluxe reissue of their album, Folk Hop N’ Roll. The reissue will likely be played up as nothing you’ve ever heard before, but immediately recalls the work of Cold War Kids and Rag N Bone Man.
Folk Hop N’ Roll is a rollicking album that bleeds creativity and independence. Judah & the Lion formed in 2011 and have since built a wildly loyal fanbase from seemingly endless stretches of touring. Singer Judah Akers boasts the band’s high-octane live performances were the foundation of their latest LP. When listening to the enormous, stomping choruses and raging banjo solos filling each minute of this album, it’s not hard to picture Judah & the Lion putting their all into a live show. Modern alternative music fixates on blending, clearly evident in this odd, but accurate album title. Judah & the Lion stay true to their Nashville roots, but experiment with bold beats and electrified energy.
The new and improved edition of Folk Hop N’ Roll includes six more tracks than the original, which was released nearly a year ago. New songs “Stockholm” and “Suit and Jacket” are obvious standouts, but the two new versions of the band’s hit “Take It All Back” demonstrates a clear trajectory of growth. “Take It All Back 2.0” is less gritty than the original, but commands a presence in a way that last year’s version fails to do. The final track on the reissue is a string quartet version of the song, proving Judah & the Lion don’t have to hide behind the brash “mando and some sort of hip-hop beat” to connect with listeners.
Deluxe reissues can be hit or miss, but Judah & the Lion will probably benefit from throwing their name back into the wild hurricane that is modern pop culture. These Nashville artists should certainly be on your radar, so catch them on tour this summer!