Kenny Roby – The Reservoir

The Reservoir is Kenny Roby’s first studio album in seven years, and he certainly had a well of inspiration to draw from. Made on the heels of great loss, The Reservoir is less punchy honky-tonk than the bulk of Roby’s previous work. It’s a more sophisticated, polished, folk-rock album, perhaps a musical metaphor for Roby’s transition from Raleigh to Woodstock. The spirits of fellow residents like Bobby Charles and Jackson C. Frank may be lingering about, exerting their influence on songs like “For the First Time” and “Only Clown in Town”. 

The Reservoir is extremely personal, dealing with divorce, addiction, and the devastation of suddenly losing a long-time friend to suicide. Songs like “All Trains Lead to Cocaine,” expressing the desire for relief but acknowledging weakness; and “Room 125,” a song about the loneliness, anxiety, and other difficulties faced on the road; make this Roby’s most transparent and intimate work yet. Instrumentally, Neal Casal put together a stellar lineup to form the Kenny Roby Band, including Jeff Hill, Jesse Aycock, John Lee Shannon, and Tony Leone. Dave Schools agreed to fill Casal’s slated role as producer on the very night “Silver Moon” was written, a bittersweet farewell anthem to Roby’s longtime friend that you can’t possibly get through without weeping. 

For all the stark and raw vulnerability on display here, there are plenty of sunny moments as well that harken back to Roby’s alt-country origins that made him such a memorable and beloved roots rock performer. “Vampire Blues” is a foot-stomper, showcasing Roby’s clever and witty lyricism (“How does a vampire self-reflect?”) and anchored by Hill’s buoyant bassline. “Hey Angelina” is a perfect bluesy shuffle saloon song. Roby’s honey-and-tobacco vocals always serve the song, ranging from the twang-y, traditional opening track “Don’t Ya Know What’s On My Mind,” to a sultry, whispery gentleness on songs like the “Hearts on Fire”-esque “I’m Gonna Love Again.”

The pacing and rhythm of the album are well-balanced, weaving from songs that will break your heart within seconds to the more upbeat, hopeful variety, which I think is the point of the album. It’s about delving into one’s reserves of strength and optimism so the sadness of everything that’s come to pass doesn’t crush you. It’s about being here, still, now.

The Reservoir is out now via Royal Potato Family. Buy it here