It’s a little American heartland roots rock, a little alternative, and sometimes bluesy. It swears allegiance to the guitar as its main musical vehicle. The Great Lands’ EP release 1400 Piedmont is the first of two EP’s slated for release in the coming months and its five songs derive much of their power from Jordan Armstrong’s songwriting perspective. The Atlanta, Georgia-based singer/songwriter/musician’s writing for this collection is the work of a man coming to a reckoning. Saying such a thing normally has negative connotations, but not in this case.
The recent death of his mother and the march of time find Armstrong more reflective than most. He’s wrestling with big questions over these five tracks but never fails framing them in an entertaining way. “Down the Line” burns with a guitar-powered mid-tempo stomp mixed with strong alternative rock inclinations. Those influences, however, battle with a classic rock vibe in the heart of the song. It echoes Neil Young, especially his work with Crazy Horse, and runs throughout Armstrong’s writing.
“Except Maybe Sometimes” has a lighter touch than the opener. The greater emphasis on the vocals, lead and backing, leavens the heavier guitar presence in the song’s second part. One of the perhaps overlooked merits of Armstrong’s songwriting is how well he invokes the physical world and several lines in “Except Maybe Sometimes” are laden with that skill. This song, as well, utilizes dynamics far better than any of its predecessors.
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“Jumper” recalls what Counting Crows might sound like with a harder edge. Armstrong’s songwriting more than holds up under the comparison, particularly here. The Great Lands turns in one of the more memorable songs about thorny personal relationships released in recent memory. The emotional ebb and flow of the song has off-the-cuff qualities listeners will enjoy. “Lonely House” opens with interesting and occasionally chiming production before unveiling the full arrangement. Armstrong once again portrays heartache with details any listener who’s endured such experiences will connect with.
The Great Lands ends the EP with “One More Night (Queen)”. It reaches the same levels of lyrical excellence as the preceding songs and explores the same general territory. Armstrong does this, however, without repeating himself. The arrangement sounds a little cluttered and chaotic at times, but this is an EP brimming with big emotions and the effect is fitting. He’s bringing his heart and soul, cliched though that may be, to bear on these five songs and it crackles with authenticity.
It is not a stretch to expect the second EP will match, at least, the power and musicality of this release. Melodies are rife throughout 1400 Piedmont, steeped in blues and rock as well, and Armstrong throws himself into realizing each song’s full potential. Jordan Armstrong and The Great Lands are enjoying an auspicious beginning for 2022 and this fiercely independent Atlanta, GA based singer/songwriter seems to be reaching some kind of peak. We can be sure, however, that The Great Lands will scale even higher peaks in the near future. Let’s be there to hear each one.
Claire Uebelacker