“Four Ever,” the debut album from Pittsburgh-based acoustic supergroup
Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy (VZHM), offers a nostalgic journey through
folk, country, and classic rock. This nine-track record balances
carefully between heartfelt originals and thoughtful covers, showcasing
the band’s tight vocal harmonies, acoustic instrumentation, and
emotional depth.
The album opens with “Here Comes Tomorrow”, a lively track that
immediately sets the tone for the group’s effortless vocal interplay.
Cherylann Hawk’s lead vocals blend seamlessly with the harmonies from
Bob Zigerelli, Kevin McCarthy, and John Vento, while the acoustic
guitars create an earthy, grounded backdrop. This track stands as a
testament to the group’s chemistry, marrying optimism with folk-driven
melodies.
“Racing Trains” is another standout, carried by Kevin McCarthy’s earnest
lead vocals. The song’s up-tempo rhythm and narrative-style lyrics evoke
a sense of chasing dreams, fitting well within the traditional folk
genre. The interplay between McCarthy’s acoustic guitar and Zigerelli’s
guitar work is a highlight, creating a rich texture that complements the
song’s theme.
On the emotional spectrum, “Love, Lust & Wreckage” is the album’s
introspective heart. John Vento’s raw vocal delivery draws listeners
into a poignant narrative of love and heartbreak. The addition of
McCarthy’s mandolin adds a delicate, melancholic layer, elevating the
track’s authenticity. This song serves as a centerpiece, demonstrating
the group’s ability to evoke deep emotional resonance through minimalist
instrumentation.
The playful cover of John Prine’s “Please Don’t Bury Me” provides a
lighthearted, toe-tapping moment on the album. Bob Zigerelli’s lead
vocals capture the humorous essence of the song, while the band’s
acoustic arrangement stays faithful to Prine’s original spirit. Vento’s
inclusion of spoons as an instrument is a quirky and fitting touch,
adding a dash of character to the performance.
VZHM’s take on Ricky Nelson’s “Garden Party” is another nod to their
collective roots in classic rock. John Vento and Cherylann Hawk trade
off lead vocals, giving the track a lively, conversational quality. The
group’s harmonies really shine here, injecting fresh energy into
Nelson’s reflective lyrics about staying true to oneself. While the
cover remains true to the original, VZHM infuses it with a warmth and
authenticity that feels entirely their own.
“I’m So In Love With You”, written by Ray Zottola, showcases Hawk’s lead
vocals in a tender love song. Her delicate phrasing and emotive delivery
make this a standout track. The simple yet evocative lyrics are
accompanied by Zigerelli and McCarthy’s restrained but elegant guitar
work, highlighting the album’s overall acoustic sensibility.
One of the most unique offerings is “Spaghetti Western”, an original
song that blends folk storytelling with cinematic imagery. Co-written by
Shane McLaughlin, Bob Zigerelli, and John Vento, the song paints vivid
scenes of wide-open landscapes and rugged characters. Zigerelli’s guitar
riffs, reminiscent of a classic western film score, paired with
McCarthy’s mandolin, give the track a distinctive feel that sets it
apart from the more traditional folk songs on the album.
The album closes with “Set My Heart Free”, an emotionally charged ballad
that delves into themes of redemption and spiritual liberation. With
lyrics like “The burden I carry is crippling me,” the song touches on
the struggles of faith and personal growth. Vento’s lead vocals,
combined with Zigerelli’s guitar and Hawk’s steady percussion, provide a
stirring finish to the record. The repetitive “na na na” refrain in the
outro gives the track a cathartic, anthemic feel, leaving the listener
with a sense of hope and release.
Produced by VZHM and recorded with David Granati at Maplewood Studio,
“Four Ever” is a well-crafted acoustic album that highlights the group’s
collective experience and musicianship. The production is clean and
intimate, allowing the vocals and acoustic instruments to breathe and
resonate naturally. Brian Foraker’s mastering work ensures that each
track retains its warmth, making it feel like a live performance
captured in a cozy setting.
“Four Ever” is an impressive debut that will resonate with fans of folk,
country, and classic rock. The band’s ability to mix originals with
covers in a cohesive manner, while allowing each member to shine, makes
the album both fresh and familiar. VZHM delivers an honest and soulful
record that feels deeply connected to the traditions they draw from,
while also adding their unique voice to the mix.
For those who enjoyed “Four Ever” and want to dive deeper into a similar
vein of heartfelt acoustic storytelling, I recommend “Harum Scarum”
(1973) by Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick. This British folk album
combines intricate guitar work with traditional ballads and showcases
Carthy’s profound influence on the folk revival scene.
Here’s a playlist inspired by Four Ever, blending folk, acoustic rock,
and heartfelt ballads, much like the vibes Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy
capture on their debut. These tracks mix storytelling, warm harmonies,
and rootsy instrumentation.
The Weight – The Band
If I Had a Boat – Lyle Lovett
Helplessly Hoping – Crosby, Stills & Nash
Long May You Run – Neil Young
Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show
Boulder to Birmingham – Emmylou Harris
Garden Party – Ricky Nelson (VZHM covered this)
Angel from Montgomery – John Prine
Tangled Up in Blue – Bob Dylan
Wildflowers – Tom Petty
City of New Orleans – Arlo Guthrie
Love Hurts – Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right – Bob Dylan
Pancho and Lefty – Townes Van Zandt
Fire and Rain – James Taylor