Photo: Cap2Red Studios
Nashville-based heavy rock outfit Lydia’s Castle introduces their self-titled debut EP, a five-track collection of music at once potent and deliciously melodic. The EP was produced by Jack Daniels (Sicktones Studio) and mastered by Mike Kalajian (Rogue Planet Mastering).
Vocalist Tonya LeeAnne explains, “The EP and our single ‘Search for You’ specifically are about one of the greatest losses of my life, and I wanted to channel that pain into something creative that can be shared with others and help myself, the band and so many others know they are not alone. The great thing about music and good lyrics is that the listener can make the song their own, and become attached to it in their own way, which is exactly how I got into music, to begin with.”
Formed in 2021, Lydia’s Castle is made up of Tonya LeeAnne (vocals), Cody Denton (guitar), Jon Wysocki (drums), and Corey England (bass). The band’s sound amalgamates old-school blues, tangs of metal, and the crème de la crème voice of Tonya into music both muscular and at times elegant.
In the relatively short time they’ve been together, Lydia’s Castle has performed with Diamanté, Renee Phoenix from Fit for Rivals, and If I Die First, along with releasing three music videos.
The EP begins with “Phoenix,” opening on snarling guitars riding a brawny rhythm as Tonya’s femme fatale voice imbues the lyrics with palpable timbres, ranging from rasping wails to soft, lustrous tones. Cody’s searing guitar gives the solo section tight, controlled licks.
The intro to “Falling Into Place” spikes with energy, and then escalates to a crushing rhythm accented by galloping, chugging guitars as Jon’s Jovian drumming hits like Thor’s hammer. Tonya’s voice splits the atmosphere with grimacing, slicing notes.
“Fading Away” rolls out on chomping, growling guitars topped by Tonya’s titanic vocals spit defiant timbres as if preparing for all-out war. “Search For You,” the best track on the EP, hums with hefty guitars, ebbing and rising on waves of imminent dynamics. Demonstrating the vast scope of her voice, Tonya delivers tones alternating between the stillness of an implacable force and venomous howls.
The final track, “What Comes Around,” travels on deep, dark colors, rife with grumbling, scowling guitars as Tonya flat-out turns it loose, revealing vocal lacerations of tremendous force.
Highlighted by the unrivaled voice of Tonya LeeAnne, Lydia’s Castle pumps out hard-hitting, hi-octane music with aggressive oomph.
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