Reckless - Deerfield Run (Album Review)

Deerfield Run is a Grand Rapids-based blues rock band that sprinkles in a bit of country flare for an infectious blend of music and storytelling. I first heard of them through their bandleader’s appearances at the Founders Taproom Open Mic sessions on Tuesdays, where I was treated to his great voice and lyricism paired with a kind, warm-hearted personality. Bandleader/Guitarist/Songwriter Alex Austin is joined on full band concerts by the talents of Justin Dore (Big Dudee Roo) on guitar, Matt Kuczynski (The Car Boys) on bass, and Mike Kanoza on drums. Over the past few years, they have built a following in West Michigan through various live shows with artists like The Barbarossa Brothers, Nicholas James and The Bandwagon, and Seth Bernard while winning over audiences with their songwriting, musicianship as a band, and honesty in showcasing their craft.

With their latest release, Reckless, the band shares tales of love and heartbreak, from old flings that have lingering emotions to new love that turns the page and writes a new chapter in that person’s story. The record kicks off with a spirited tune, “Out of the Blue,” that tells of a man walking away from love in an unexpected manner in a classic rock style, complete with driving organ, some interacting lead guitar lines and solos from Alex Austin, and guest vocals from Dan Rickabus (The Crane Wives) and Nate Wagner (Big Dudee Roo). “Denver” slides in some country, taking the listener on a cross-country road trip to Denver where a couple takes a chance on new love, both putting it all on the line in the hopes that their journey is just beginning when they reach their destination. There are some wonderful guest vocals from Emilee Petersmark (The Crane Wives) that allow for each character in the story to be voiced by a different singer. Guitar and xylophone (provided by Dan Rickabus) are paired in a distinct melodic moment, and the tune has a very catchy hook for the chorus that stays with you long after you’ve listened that almost feels like a Blues Traveler song. The title track, “Reckless,” tells a tale of youthful recklessness while trying to find love in a small town until a new love changes his life for the better. There is a great songwriting moment when the song shifts mood and energy around the word “changed,” adding some weight to the lyricism in the storytelling. Emilee returns for another wonderful guest vocal contribution and Justin Dore rips a solid guitar solo.

“Grafton” is the name of a small town that a heartbroken lover escaped to (maybe even from the last song), and he writes letters to his former sweetheart while trying to fight the feelings he still has for her. The lyrics show that no matter how far away you might physically get from an old love or life, the emotions and memories will close that gap in an instant. Justin Dore provides another great solo and Justin Wierenga (Michigan multi-instrumentalist) layers some warm pedal steel lines overtop.  “Do I Know You?” drives forward with a sound that is reminiscent of a band like Heart, pairing some Spanish flare to the song’s country-flavored rock and featuring a slide guitar solo from Alex Austin alongside percussion from Dan and vocals from Emilee. Our heartbroken lover has now found some new folks in a crowded bar in a new city, asking so many questions to try and navigate these feelings of heartache around so many new faces he can’t fall for yet. “Gypsy Sun” dips again into the Blues Traveler vibe with Alex’s vocal characteristics and range, sounding like John Popper in his higher register and with some of his phrasing. Wierenga returns for some great pedal steel work, weaving melodies around the lyricism. Now in the story, this scorned lover feels his heart wandering, never settling down and always looking to move with the rising of the sun. “Too High A Price” yields a nice compliment to the previous song with a more somber mood, emphasizing the heartbreak that is felt at the lowest point in the narrative. Justin Dore’s solo on this tune is layered with some tasty guitar tones, especially leading up the emotional high point at the end, and Emilee once again shows her vocal skills. “Break A Good Habit” has such a great vibe, highlighting that feeling of letting go and having a night free of burden and full drinks. Life batters you with so many emotions and asks that you remain intact, so to have a night to indulge and let loose, emphasized in this song, can be a healing experience. Alex provides a wonderful guitar solo on this track as well. “Weight On Me” feels like those moments on a long, late-night drive where you’re just left with your own thoughts, with dreamy textures on the verses and a build-up moment that includes an “alarm” sound that adds some beautiful tension, or weight, leading up to a climactic release. Finally, “Wheels” starts off with a lush chorus of singers provided by Alex and Dan, warm and understated against the main vocal starting the narrative. When these lyrics “hit the road,” the band gets moving and more upbeat, growing in presence until the final guitar solos interact with Emilee’s vocal expressions and end the record on such a strong high note.

With every tune on Reckless, you get a window into what makes Deerfield Run such a compelling Michigan band to experience. There’s an honesty to the storytelling, detailing love that’s often messier and more nuanced than what you can express on a Hallmark card. Each track places you in various settings with strong lyrical imagery set against solid instrumental accompaniments. The rock’n’roll flare blended with the heart of some down-home country makes for some great musicianship on display, and the guests chosen on this record fit perfectly with the group’s already tight sound. Alex Austin proves that he is such an effortless songwriter, storyteller, and bandleader with every word and note on this album. Keep an eye out for this group once things open up for shows more frequently, there’s no doubt they’ll be keeping busy and connecting with audiences around Michigan again very soon.

Follow the band:
Website: https://artistecard.com/DeerfieldRun
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deerfieldrunband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deerfieldrunband/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPABlnlscGiNBJUM3HAexqw
Spotify: https://sptfy.com/5bZt
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/deerfield-run/1296666386?ign-gact=1

Album Credits:
Alex Austin - Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter 
Justin Dore - Lead Guitar
Matt Kuczynski - Bass
Mike Kanoza - Drums

Guest Artists:
Emilee Petersmark - Vocals (Track 2-4, 6 and 10)
Dan Rickabus - Vocals (Tracks 1, 10) and Percussion (Tracks 3, 9)
Justin Wierenga - Pedal Steel (Track 4, 5-7)
Nate Wagner - Vocals (Track 1)

Ben Zito - Recording, Mixing, and Producing at Centennial Sound
Samuel Peters - Mastering at La Luna Recording & Sound