The Calumet Reel

The Calumet Reel's debut record is the product of two years spent building a repertoire, a namesake, and a foundation for their blend of Americana roots rock. Recorded at Russian Recording, which shares its Bloomington residence with the band, the album's lush production and rustic vibe show a young group whose music possess just as much confidence as it does a slight southern twang.

Fronted by singer-songwriter David James, the band borrows influences from The Black Crows, and The Avett Brothers, while adding hints of pop hooks and Beatle-y harmonies. "If I Don't Listen" is the instant favorite with its bouncing choruses and bright keyboard, and "Changing Colors," with an understated slide guitar riff, is as catchy as the guitars are crunchy.

While not enough songs stick in their entirety, there are worthy parts in almost every track. Many of the extended jams, which round out several songs, prove these guys can improvise just as well as they write songs, while the softer vocal harmonies compliment James' mid-range southern drawl.
- NUVO Magazine

There’s a lot of really great music out there in the mainstream, but there’s just something so much more exciting about digging deep and discovering the artists that are doing great things on a smaller, local scale.

The Calumet Reel are one of those bands. Yet another great act hailing from Bloomington, Indiana (they must put something in the water there, or maybe it’s just the long grey winters that keep everyone inside writing music for 6 months out of the year), the guys were kind enough to hop onto the bill for our Unzipped Compilation release party in Bloomington after another band canceled last minute. The guys closed the night (stay tuned for video content from the show) and brought a set full of good ole fashion rock and roll.

The Calumet Reel presents a classic 70’s rock and roll aesthetic and sound most closely resembling that of The Band with songs chock full of thick vocal harmony in the style of Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Grateful Dead, vintage Rhodes and clavinet keyboards, and some super tasty and thoughtful guitar playing. They’re also a group for fans of the alt-country/Americana scene and it’s easy to hear a bit of Uncle Tupelo, AM and Being There era Wilco and even some Avett Brothers in Calumet’s writing.

I’m told a full length LP is in the works for release this summer and that’s great news because I can’t think of a more perfect band to listen to on a lazy summer afternoon while sipping bourbon on the front porch. - Jansport Music