Hello everyone, how the months seem to go by. Thanks for all those kind wishes for my new baby boy Zak who is now 3 months. Three months of sheer chaos in life, but I still grab a few moments to listen to new music (ssh, he’s asleep atm). So I am headphones on and having a listen to the new Scarlett Goodbye album today, their second release.
Firstly, the press release:
“El Camino Adios” is a collaborative masterpiece by Daniel Murphy (Golden Smog and Soul Asylum) and Jeff Arundel, with contributions from other talented artists. This album paints a vivid picture of a mythical small town, capturing the essence of life’s hellos, goodbyes, heartaches, and reflections. Each track is a unique blend of organic and epic sounds, creating a timeless experience for listeners. The album was released on all streaming services on March 14, 2025, with Angel Dust records, a division of the Label Group, distributed by Virgin.
Each song tells a story, from the melancholic reflections of “The End of Summer” to the haunting instrumental “3 On A Match.” This album is a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the human experience, making it a must-listen for fans of soulful, reflective, and evocative music.
With that information tucked into my back pocket, on with the review.
10 songs running to just under 37 minutes
“To Feel The Sun” (3:09) was a single from the album. It is a nostalgic nod to The Byrds and the Swinging ’60s, featuring classic TSG lyrics and harmonies. The song showcases the band’s growth and cohesion, with spirited piano work by Patrick Frederick and a dynamic drum track by Ben Peterson. It opens on an American AOR radio vibe, driving on the open road and appreciating the summer feel. It’s melodic and I wish I were in my car!
“The Last Time” reminds me of (I wish I could put my finger on it—maybe Chris Rea). I liked the harmony dual singing and the drum sound kicks on this one. It is again a very listenable track; I enjoyed it and was quickly drawn into the instrumentalization and the hooks.
“Speedway” (3:54) is another driving song, one for commercial radio. It plays an uplifting rock melody with some great background vocals. Dave Franklin from The Big Takeover describes “Speedway”, “their new single, is the perfect example of why I hold them in such high esteem. A song about young love written with the deftness that only comes with age, it is the best of both worlds: a jangling slice of Americana, a power-pop ballad replete with lush harmonies, spacious drifting riffs, and a brilliant, nostalgia-infused set of lyrics. The sights, sounds and sentiments of youth captured by an older, wiser Pen.”
“Raylene” (4:01) has a folk storytelling vibe, a sadness within it and a change of musical direction. It is well-crafted and executed as a track. Again, it uses the background vocals really effectively, bringing an extra dimension and harmony. It is also very much a song to melt into.
“Temptation Eyes” (4:09) opened atmospherically and took me into Grank Funk Railroad territory. It has a heavy beat and a great vocal performance that I enjoyed a lot. I liked the drum and bass sound for this one too; it provides a good, funky vibe.
“Sad Burlesque” (4:11) would probably open side 2 of the vinyl! It is whimsical and laments the feeling of being lost. It touched on the folk side of music, the sense of story and rhythm that delivers (Ervin Munir springs to mind). Lyrically, the album explores life and its problems and reminds me of when Shirley King (BB’s daughter) told us that as you get older, every song sings the blues before too long.
“Three On a Match” (2:35) is rather lovely instrumentally, almost medieval when it opens. It shows a different side to that the guys can deliver and you would think of a medieval queen like Anne Boleyn sitting and listening to this as the world drifts by. Personally, I really did like this one a lot, a haunting and evocative instrumental. Well done.
“Great Again” (3:46) I liked it a little less. It is a slower song where the “sadness permeates.” Life, and albums, have their highs and falls, but this one didn’t slice it for me, I am afraid.
“El Camino Adios” (3:25) reflects on moving away from the town. I liked the vocal delivery and the story links to the themes of the album nicely. It is an album track and it fits into the whole.
“The End of Summer” (3:26) summarizes “time is a jet plane delayed at the gate.” It is a sad song and ‘a sad songs best for winter (Shakespeare).’ It shows a strong end to the whole.
Standout Tracks: “To Feel the Sun,” “Speedway,” and “Three on a Match” (the last one I loved).
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In summary: This album is a road trip through nostalgia, harmony, and heartfelt storytelling. From the sunny, Byrds-esque vibes of To Feel the Sun to the rock-radio charm of Speedway and the hauntingly medieval elegance of Three on a Match, it delivers a mix of melodic warmth and reflective depth. There are moments of whimsy (Sad Burlesque), folk storytelling (Raylene), and even funky grooves (Temptation Eyes), all wrapped in strong instrumentation and tight vocal work. While a couple of later tracks didn’t quite hit the mark for me, the album as a whole captures the highs and lows of life with sincerity. A well-crafted listen with standout moments that stick.
You can stream music from The Scarlett Goodbye here
By Stevie Ritson
El Camino Adios performed by The Scarlet Goodbye:
Daniel Murphy
Jeff Arundel
Patrick Nelson
Pat Frederick
Ben Peterson
with special guests
Jeff Victor
Rob Arthur
Michael Nelson
Steve Gorman
Billy Oerhlein
Amy Spartz
Rob Genadek
and the see change treble choir,
directed by Amy Johnson Engineered and Produced by Jeff Arundel
“Sad Burlesque” engineered by Miles Hansen
Additional production by D.D. Murphy
Mixed by Jeff Arundel and Rob Genadek
Mastered by Rob Genadek
Recorded at Avalon Studios and Creation Audio
Artwork/Graphic Design by Jarman
All songs by Daniel Murphy and Jeff Arundel except “3 on a Match.”
by Daniel Murphy, “El Camino Adios” by Jeff Arundel, “Temptation
Eyes” by Dan Walsh and Harvey Price, and “End of Summer” by
Daniel Murphy, Jeff Arundel, and Pedro Mariani.
Website: https://www.thescarletgoodbye.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescarletgoodbye
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarletgoodbye/?hl=en
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thescarletgoodbye