by Amanda Vontobel & Lorraine Mazza

Antigone Rising’s much anticipated new release 23 Red finally hits the stores today, August 2nd. This marks the first studio release with Nini Camps in the band, a wise bet that was clear to anyone who witnessed those early gigs such as we did. Since then, AR has been playing shows and crafting the new songs into studio form, which would become 23 Red. We don’t know if  this was intentional, but it sounds to us like a perfect summer album.  23 Red is ripe with harmonies, instruments that don’t get lost in the background and heard clearly, yet it’s also one full sound.  When  listening you can hear everything. And with this group that’s a very  good thing. Every little sound, rip, hit, strum, vocal comes together and sounds damn good. Beautiful melodies, lyrics, layers.  There is a definite feel good vibe to the music, even when singing to a lover who’s half in and out the door (One Foot In).   

But, let’s back up for those who may be reading about this band for the first time. Antigone Rising is Kristen Henderson, Cathy Henderson, Nini Camps & Dena Tauriello. And we mean that in more than just the introductory way.  This time around, they are more themselves than ever.  We have seen the ups & downs of the band over the years.  And this is a great time for them, and anyone that gets to hear their music. Something their fans know all to well, as many of them contributed to the many of this album via a Kickstarter campaign. The band worked very hard on this recording and has some great news to show for it, they recently signed with Meryl Music Distribution, which is the distribution arm of Blackheart Records.

The addition of Nini to the band has made both sides shine and compliment each other’s talents perfectly. There’s this mix of warm alternate country & bluesy rock that is now thrown in with AR’s ’70s rock & roll influence. A winning combination. This album is truly a reintroduction to Antigone Rising. An album like no other that they have released previously, but we mean that in a good way. This band has a found the right formula for themselves. The right talent plus the right people. To say that there’s harmony, both musically & personally would be quite accurate. 

We can remember being there for a lot of these songs debut performances.  The day Borrowed Time was finished being written, it was performed for the first time at the late great Caserta Vecchia restaurant in Brooklyn on a cool October night. Nini & Kristen had just written it, Cathy & Dena hadn’t even heard it yet. There’s even video on youtube if you search. It was a casual, intimate night.  Just the type of night that makes for great memories. That’s AR, their team and the people around them, the fans… friends… family. Good times.  The song itself is inspired by the fact that both Kristen and Nini were new Moms, but it can be about anyone you love.  It serves as a gentle reminder that no one has time on their side and we should cherish all that we have here and now.  Truly one of the most beautiful songs we’ve ever heard. 

Everywhere is Home, was the song that convinced Kristen to offer Nini the spot in the band.  The song is an older Nini favorite. Kristen would joke about wanting that song, so she had to take Nini to get it. But, it all seriousness, it’s a favorite of ours too, from years ago. When Nini had a side project called The Hamiltons, with Trina Hamlin & Marilyn D’Amato. The lyrics lightheartedly sing of chasing down summer and finding open  road, perfect for an album released in the lazy days of summer. And while I’ve always thought of this as the perfect song to play while driving with the windows down, Nini had that same idea for another tune. Pink Sunglasses is like an ode to New York City and all it’s hopes and dreams. The opening lines “New York skyline”, takes us back to the show on the Rock Boat around Manhattan with everyone trying to stay put while the boat literally rocked and rolled around the city.   

They’ve also switched up the sounds of some songs as compared to live shows.   Breaking Me went from an upbeat rocker to a laid back mellow vibe with Dena’s drums up front.  Nini’s vocals are also mellow and relaxed.  This version is like nothing we’ve heard live. More haunting than previously heard. Essentially, a very cool sound.  It works perfectly, another successful bet. Goodbye & One Foot In, two very get up and stomp songs. Lots of fun. A bit of an alt/country, rock fusion. Who Knows What Tomorrow Will Bring is another great boot stomper.  Nini is well known for her amazing slide guitar tactics, and she holds nothing back on this one. Gracefully, a very new song, that was never played live. So we got to hear it first on this record. A song about knowing someone going through a difficult time and wanting to do whatever you can to fix it. No Remedy, a hit, I tell ya, a hit! (that’s for our friend, Joely, check out her blog) But, yes. A hit. Great song. 

There are a few guest musicians as well. We get to hear the vocal talents of the one and only Garrison Starr, who just happens to have co-written a few of the songs on 23 Red. She makes a vocal guest appearance on Pink Sunglasses. And the quite skilled classical cellist, Julie Biber, adds a moving tone to Borrowed Time. Besides Garrison, other co-writers are McGowan Southworth, Wes Hutchinson, Daniel Tashian & Justin Moore of Ingram Hill. And as if that’s not eclectic enough instrumentation for you, there is also an electric mandolin in Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring.   -  Amanda would like to add that she loves that there’s an electric mandolin and it’s not just because her name is Amanda Lynn. 

So by all accounts, 23 Red is a definite hit.  For the fans who have been going to shows and watching these songs grow, 23 Red will not disappoint.  AR has kept all of the vitality that their stage presence is known for and incorporated it into the studio.  For those listening for the first time, you will in awe when you see these songs come to  life on stage.  It’s a win/win for everyone, really.  Life may be a gamble, but when you know the game and trust the players, you will never be disappointed. 

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