Description

“State and Arrow” is the debut EP from St. John’s alternative-country band, The Domestics. The band was nominated for the 2011 Music Newfoundland and Labrador Country Artist/group of the Year and the record was also chosen as a nominee for Country Album of the Year. It is an album filled with strong lyrics written by husband and wife team Sandy May and Ian Cornelissen set to the background of old-school, muddy, minor chord country. The record is a mix of up tempo rockers. Check out “No Two Sunsets” featuring Ian’s lead vocal. It is a rousing, two step that conjures images of being chased out of a dusty cowboy town. Conversely, Sandy May delivers a softer, mild-mannered vocal reminiscent of Cranberries lead vocalist Dolores O’Riordan. Produced by Mark Bragg, who also appears on lap steel and organ, the album is laced with flecks of dirt and darkness suggestive of Bragg’s influence and musical flavour. It has that classic outlaw country twang and the pairing of husband and wife makes for a tight unity between the two lead vocalists. Their sound has been favourably likened to “saltwater country mixed with Bonnie and Clyde”. They recently received the Full Length Recording Grant from Music NL and plans for their next release are underway.