Deep South soul funk by way of East Nashville, TN, Craig Waters and the Flood dive into a historically rich and genre bending arena to create their own unique sound. With refined lyrical prowess and elite singers, CWF provides a window into a world of love and squalor, juxtaposed with turbo-funk and jazz instrumentals. Born and raised in Augusta, GA, Craig Waters grew up in a musical household playing blues guitar and the trombone in conservatory bia bands.
Contrasting the opener, the title track Love & Squalor explores the mountain of emotion to overcome when you're "born under the gun', a metaphor for having to be your own primary caregiver for a large part of your upbringing.
The lyrics stand strong on their own, but when paired with a searing, emotive, stylistically authentic solo by guitarist Leland Rooney, the song evokes a throat-punch of emotion. In Water's own words: "Is pre-therapy, It's. survival mode. It's what happens when you are gifted with the ability to take inventory of your emotions., but thought that it’s dangerous to Vocalize them.
Reviewed by Ace Sway
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