Album Review: Gypsy Runaway Train – The Roys
11 years ago Liv Carter 1
The Roys are a bluegrass duo hailing all the way from New Brunswick, Canada. You might be thinking, “Canada, eh?” Well, don’t let their place of origin fool you. Siblings Elaine and Lee Roy grew up on “roots music.” The brother and sister duet developed a deep passion for sweet singing and guitar pickin’ and the two began performing at an early age.
It’s obvious that Elaine and Lee grew up making music together. Their harmonies are impeccable; their melodic compatibility is off the charts.
The Roys’ third album for Rural Rhythm Records, Gypsy Runaway Train, doesn’t quite fit into one particular genre of music. It’s country and bluegrass, mixed with a little folk and a tinge of gospel thrown in for good measure.
The thirteen-track record covers every subject that a country album should: heartbreak, family, God, no-good women, no-good men and, of course, trains. A bit predictable? Perhaps, but who said anything was wrong with predictable? Not me.
Elaine pulls off a wonderful version of the bluegrass classic ‘I Wonder Where You Are Tonight.’ An interesting choice, considering Elaine’s voice is reminiscent of Dolly Parton who also sang this timeless tune. She definitely does the song justice, softly crooning the heart-wrenching lyrics while Lee backs her on the mandolin.
Lee also pulls off a tragically beautiful song with, ‘Another Minute.’ If you’ve lost someone who you loved, then this one is for you. It’s specifically about a young man losing his grandfather, who was his role model.
“What I wouldn’t give to be by his side, walking on the old lake road, going to our favorite fishing hole, and all of the stories he would tell, about the way it used to be, you know I’d love to hear them again, Lord what I wouldn’t give for just another minute with him.”
Don’t let the slow, emotion-stirring songs fool you. The album also has plenty of cheerful tracks such as ‘Born With A Hammer In My Hand’ and ‘Ramblin’ Fever.’ These two gems, both led by Lee’s vocals, speed things right back up. They’re the kind of songs that make you want to sit on a front porch, clap your hands and stomp your feet.
Elaine once again hones in on heartbreak with ‘Half Of Me.’ This raw, honest tune is primarily about Elaine’s recent divorce, but more generally concerns losing a loved one in any respect. It’s about picking up the pieces and moving on. It’s tragic and, yet, hopeful.
The title track of the album is also the final track. Lee takes lead vocals while Elaine provides harmonies in this fast-paced, guitar pickin’ song.
“We’re like a locomotive tearin’ up the tracks, we can’t stay too long but we hope you’ll have us back, our jobs ain’t done if you ain’t wantin’ more.”
Well, Elaine and Lee, looks like your jobs are done, because Gypsy Runaway Train definitely leaves us wanting more.
Liv Carter
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
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