Nathan Walton & The Remedy (Album Review)

Nathan Walton has had quite a journey in the last year. With a voice that Lionel Richie described as “a cannon,” he earned a golden ticket and became one of the Top 60 American Idol contestants during their 2020 season. After a wild ride with so many talented up-and-coming artists, the drive to record a new record kicked in as the world began to shut down. Rallying the troops in his new touring band, The Remedy, he hit the studio at Third Coast Recording Company with engineer Kevin Kozel to craft his latest release!

Fans of classic rock will love the variety found on this record. Each tune carves out a little slice of rock history, and it’s clear that Nathan Walton’s influences, groups like Bob Seger, Rare Earth and Grand Funk Railroad, are helpful guides when sculpting original works for a larger studio band. The album unfolds with some soulful vocal harmonies and punctuated moments from the full ensemble in “Love You Like Mad.” The repetitive bed of keys sounds throughout, with the song transitioning into wailing, passionate lead vocals and anthemic crowd singing. “Devil’s in the House Band” adds some classic rock riffage and a powerful layer of organ to kick things up a notch, letting The Remedy shine bright. “All Too Much” feels like the band has shown up to the venue, kicked in the door, and started a night of magic, showcasing Nathan’s higher vocal range and guitar prowess. “Winter” shifts vocal focus to Nathan’s right hand frontwoman, Shelby Andenno, with Nathan showcasing his ability to lead with guitar, vocals, and songwriting. “Bare My Soul” was the first single to drop from the record, and it’s a funky rock vibe that is guaranteed to get your festival-attendee-toes tapping. It’s filled with features, from the wah-laden clavinet sound to another strong guitar solo to the many horn stabs and shrieking high tones from the saxophones. “Come Back to Me,” starts with just piano and voice, giving Nathan the space to set the mood. It’s a tune that was carried for miles around the country, was co-written by keyboardist and collaborator Colin McCorkle, and was his audition piece for American Idol, so the depth of emotion carries so strongly throughout. Mason Villo performs a strong sax solo and there are some beautiful string parts from cellist Max Morrison and violinist Mike Prokopchuk.

“Show Me the Money” rockets back into the unabashed rock territory, slamming the drums around some forceful guitar riffs. That “cannon of a voice” easily soars with such a powerful backing accompaniment. “Sick” is the second track to feature Shelby front-and-center as she sings about a toxic love that needs a remedy. If the cure is saxophone, then you have Caleb Elzinga to thank for being the “resident doctor of choice saxophone solos” on this track. Perhaps it is the following track, “Lover,” that helps to heal the wounds of the previous tune, pairing Nathan and Shelby in a great duet. “Flood” is soaked in that gritty Southern rock, oozing the blues and steeped in soulful vocals. Nathan’s slide guitar solo carves a moment of attitude and personality and is a great moment on this record. Shelby returns to sing her final entry as a frontwoman on the record on “Always Be Lonely,” a tune that allows her to open up and shine for one final, featured moment. “Hi Anxiety” feels different right away, picking up the speed and surrounding a repeating bass line with a hypnotic texture of piano and different stringed instruments sound. The way the tune builds, adding layers and zoning in on lyrical phrases, allows for an anxious feeling as the tune constantly remains unresolved, as if to mimic the fact that anxiety for many isn’t a one-and-done emotional state. “So Bad” closes the album with one final farewell from The Remedy, with Nathan giving yet another strong number to leave listeners thoroughly satisfied.

What Nathan Walton & The Remedy means for someone like Nathan Walton is a new foundation to stand tall. Many have gone to American Idol, several people have even claimed the title crown, but many more still are lost, uncertain of what is next for their career after experiencing a national spotlight. To coordinate The Remedy during a pandemic where every schedule is blank but every budget is strained while putting out a solid record is easily a cause for celebration. This record gives listeners a real taste for what Nathan brings to the table: soulful, rock-filled songwriting that invites you into the The Remedy family to feel energized and alive. For a moment, you’re shredding that guitar solo or ripping that sax solo right along with the band in your bedroom, eagerly awaiting the time when you’re able to join in on the powerful energy of a live show. This is a band you’ll want to keep in the car with you for that uplifting burst of spirited music making, taking the full impact of Nathan’s voice and the messages behind it. Keep an eye on this band for future touring dates, they just might be the cure you’re looking for in your concert experience!

Support Nathan Walton!
Website: https://www.nathanwaltonlive.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NathanWaltonLive/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanwaltonlive/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nathan_9_walton
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-BT3x_hKEuUmgYvbU9rp6g
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0DFWAeLQDZBy9BuiUtpt5H?si=uYxa6R3CSSyJDAulN5rSRQ

Album Credits:
Voice/Guitar/Songwriting: Nathan Walton
Vocalist: Shelby Andenno
Keys: Colin McCorkle
Bass: Doug Watkins
Percussionist: Scotty King
Sax:: Caleb Elzinga, Jace Fredricks and Mason Villo
Trumpet: Austin Jacob
Lap Steel Guitar: Justin Wierenga
Cello: Max Morrison
Violin: Michael Prokopchuk

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Third Coast Recording Company by Kevin Kozel