B-Side Guys

Rachel Drew’s sophomore album, “Old Sky New,” is a collection that reflects an artist’s journey through isolation, introspection, and ultimately, rejuvenation. Scheduled for release on March 1, 2024, this album emerges as a beacon of hope and healing, encapsulating the essence of Drew’s belief in music as a form of medicine for the soul.

“Old Sky New” is a follow-up to Drew’s 2016 debut, “Under the Sun,” and it carries the weight of the intervening years with grace. The global pandemic, which delayed Drew’s plans for a new record in 2020, instead became a fertile ground for creativity. The resultant songs are a testament to Drew’s resilience and artistic growth, offering listeners a glimpse into her world during a time of unprecedented global upheaval.

Recorded with Grammy-winning producer Blaise Barton at Joyride Studio, the album benefits from a live studio tracking approach, lending it an immediacy and authenticity that is palpable. The ensemble backing Drew—including John Szymanski on guitars and keyboards, Alton Smith on keyboards, Cathie Van Wert Menard on violin, Chloe F. Orwell on sax, Michael Krayniak on bass, and Jason Batchko on drums—brings a rich texture to the record, allowing each song to breathe and resonate.

The album opens with “When I Dream of You,” a track that sets the tone for the entire record. It’s a song of longing and imagination, where Drew’s vocals glide over lush instrumentation, inviting the listener into a dreamlike state where “old sky new” becomes possible. The lyrics, “You make my old sky new / And though it seems impossible, / To dream is so remarkable,” capture the essence of the album—finding the extraordinary within the ordinary, the new within the old.

“I’ll Never Change” delves into the complexities of relationships and self-acceptance. It’s a poignant acknowledgment of personal limitations and the pain they can cause to others. The raw honesty in the lyrics, coupled with Drew’s emotive delivery, makes this track a powerful exploration of the human condition.

“Forever Wishing” stands out as an anthem for those who find themselves perpetually longing for something more, yet discovering contentment in moments of connection. The imagery of tea leaves, volcanoes, and tornadoes juxtaposed with the simplicity of a treehouse for two captures the tumultuous nature of desire and the peace found in companionship.

The album’s thematic exploration of emerging from isolation is mirrored in its sonic landscape. From the atmospheric “Somewhere Waiting For Me” to the reflective “Old Friend,” Drew and her band navigate through a spectrum of musical styles. The incorporation of violin, sax, and a diverse range of keyboards adds layers of depth to the guitar and drum-driven arrangements, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.

One of the most compelling aspects of “Old Sky New” is its ability to blend the personal with the universal. Drew’s songs are intimate reflections, yet they speak to broader experiences of love, loss, and the search for meaning. Tracks like “Life Goes On” and “Summer’s Over” resonate with a sense of temporal passage and the cyclical nature of life.

The anticipation for “Old Sky New” is heightened by the inclusion of a few tracks on NPR’s Great American Folk Show on February 10th, offering a preview of the album’s introspective and narrative-rich content. This exposure underscores the relevance and appeal of Drew’s music to a broad audience.

In essence, “Old Sky New” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a narrative arc that captures a specific moment in time while also addressing timeless themes. Rachel Drew, through her artistry and storytelling, invites listeners on a journey that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. With this album, Drew solidifies her place in the canon of songwriters who not only create music but also craft worlds of emotion and narrative. “Old Sky New” promises to be not just a balm for the soul but a beacon of light in a world that often seems shrouded in darkness.