Artist:     The Rayo Brothers

Album:     Victim & Villain

Label:     Noveau Electric Records

Release Date:     3.29.19

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There’s nothing else quite like brother harmony—or sisters for that matter. Just think of the Everly or Louvin brothers, or the Quebe or Andrews sisters or just about any group of siblings who have ever stepped up to a mic while the recording process is going down. It can elevate just about any song and makes for a real treat for the ear.

When they use it, the Rayo’s certainly have that going on. That said, it doesn’t guarantee a totally outstanding record. Not that this second outing by these boys from Louisiana, Jesse and Dan Reaux, isn’t good. The melodies, arrangements, the songwriting team of Jesse and Dan employ on Victim & Villain shows a lot of musicality, creativity and inspirational roots. I would say their effort certainly also applies to their returning bandmates, Lance Kelehan on drums and Jordan Ardon on bass, who solidly hold up the foundation here. There are several guests that add a lot to the gumbo, like steel player Lyle Begnaud, the Michot brothers, and Ms. Nikia Yung on violin and viola, who is now a sister on tour with them.

It’s a very nice record, but it’s also a very sad one, and to be fair, the Rayos warn you. Right out of the box, when they take you visit “Colorado” with an abundance of wide open sound, including tons of twangy tremolo that will harken back to days of Duane Eddy. Their warning label is in the opening lyric “I heard the warnings, I had the bad dreams, the way isn’t always as straight as it seems.” Musically, they do take a few twists and turns, but the fly in the ointment, which is apparent by the time the title tune “Victim & Villain” turns up halfway through, is the straight thematic path they are on here, shows no hope of changing, until they close the minstrel show down with “The House I Hate.”

Musically they show some nice variety, like on “Goodbye Jane,” that has the sound (including trumpets) and feel of “Penny Lane,” if only from the shady side of the street. Their “Dream” is a bold sonic adventure, with a drum track that would certainly put a smile on the recently departed legendary drummer Hal Blaine’s face. Comparing this to their first CD, “Take You For A Drive,” which also had it’s share of sad endings, I would say the major difference is Dan’s shiny gray Coronet got parked this time out. That’s a 1952 Dodge “Coronet” that he actually owns and was featured in their dandy fun video by the same name—you can listen to it on YouTube.

—Ken Spooner