On the trail of ‘The Long Game’, the lead track from their forthcoming album ‘The Ghosts Are Coming Home’, New Jersey indie rock outfit CR and The Nones present their new single by the same name. While seemingly grounded and unlikely to do so, the band could boast a sound that is both polished and organic feel, and it’s no wonder that the band has made a name for themselves on the local scene for their special brand of folk-inspired heartland rock.
Set for release by Montclair-based indie label Magic Door Record Label, the album was self-produced by the band’s founder and frontman Chris Gennone. Mixed by renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided By Voices, Luna, Versus, Elk City, Gramercy Arms) at Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, NJ and mastered by Nick Bolton at Bolton Sound in Jersey City.
CR Gennone came of age playing in a variety of different projects in suburban New Jersey, including his former band, CR and The Degenerates, who released five albums from 2016 to 2018. This new project has allowed him to expand the unique hybrid of folk, country, punk, and heartland rock. CR and The Nones retains the Degenerates’ core of Chris Gennone, lead/slide guitarist Jim Abbott, and bassist John Dewitt.
Recalling past Garden State guitar music, Gennone’s soulful vocals and his band’s driving hooks invoke roads, journeys, and forward motion in general. Counting Neil Young and Jason Molina among major influences, his sound has always been propulsive. In 2020, CR and The Nones released their debut album ‘Living In Fear’ via Favorite Friend Records.
‘The Ghosts Are Coming Home’ is a culmination of the sound and aesthetic that guitarist and songwriter Chris Gennone (CR to his friends) has been building over many years and multiple bands. With an expansiveness and introspection that recalls The War on Drugs or early My Morning Jacket, the ten tracks here showcase an irresistible sincerity and heartfelt delivery.
CR Gennone shares the story behind the song:
“This is the oldest song on the record. I wrote it while I was recording ‘Living in Fear’, but it’s gone through a variety of different arrangements. The vibe just didn’t really fit with the rest of the songs and it felt like a good direction to go in for the next album. It’s probably one of the most visual songs I’ve written. I was driving in my car and the lyrics and title came really fast, all at once. I had to pull over and put it in my phone. I had this overwhelming feeling at that moment in my life, that the chickens had come to roost. The ghosts are coming home.”
Like many artists, the pandemic and resultant free time allowed Gennone to be more thoughtful, and purposive in his songwriting for this album. Being forced out of his normal songwriting process and comfort zone opened Gennone to new influences, and his resulting growth as a songwriter is evident. While friends from the NYC and NJ music scenes contributed ideas and sounds, some influences are not as obvious. Gennone recalls listening to Brian Eno non-stop while recording ‘Ghosts’, and the synth sounds and ambient textures that underpin much of the album are certainly a testament to that.
As of August 8, ‘The Ghosts Are Coming Home’ single will be available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album (out September 8) is now available for pre-order at https://crandthenones.bandcamp.com/album/the-ghosts-are-coming-home-2
CREDITS
Written by CR Gennone
CR Gennone – Vocals, Guitars, Tambourine, Synths, Piano
James Abbott – Guitar, Lap Steel
John Dewitt – Bass
Tom Barrett – Drums
Featuring Ryley Crowe (from the band Dusk) – Pedal Steel
Kyle Wilkerson (from the band Joy Cleaner) – Vocals
Skylar Adler – Drums
Donnie Law – Guitar
Chris Fox (from the band, Ruby Bones) – Guitar
Ross Burlingame – Piano
Produced by CR Gennone
Engineered by CR Gennone, Skylar Adler, and Andrew Merclean
Mixed by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ
Mastered by Nick Bolton at Bolton Sound in Jersey City, NJ
Video for ‘The Long Game’ filmed and edited by Joe Evans III
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