Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Kai Goulder enjoys a new Indie Americana arrival featuring original and fresh tunes with blends of the past
Dirty Carrot Records
Released: 11.04.25
Words: Kai Goulder
On Cast Me Down, Joe Kelly is experimental yet deservedly confident. Indie Americana runs throughout, but is more subtle than in his debut. Instead, stirring psychedelic infusions help to unshackle the emotions he’s now releasing into his music.
An electric organ emits a theatrical chill across his second album but adds to the funk on Little Fears; on Living Daylights, Kelly emulates the enchanting ambience of a Richard Ashcroft track and an affinity for rhythmic anecdotes like Bob Dylan; while Fill My Soul blends jazzy, classic rock with sweet guitar flicks and trance-inducing drumbeats.
Joe Kelly and The Royal Pharmacy break into smooth, satisfying jams too (Holding on Streaming, Doomscrolling) which, overall, makes the album feel raw and original whilst impressively nostalgic.
