Review: The Connell’s Well-Crafted Masterpiece

The Connells/Ring (expanded version)/Craft Recordings
Four out of Five Stars

Despite the fact that The Connells have a storied reputation amongst their fans and followers as one of North Carolina’s most storied indie outfits, they’ve never made it much beyond the cult following they attained throughout the ‘80s and ’90s. Then again, their last official release, Steadman’s Wake, was the group’s first new release in over 20 years.

With the expanded two CD rerelease of Ring, a seminal effort from1993, The Connells make another push for the attention and acclaim that eluded them the first time around. A vibrant and voracious example of indie rock boasting a diverse and dynamic undercurrent, it featured songs that became an indelible part of the band’s essential canon. Among the songs included here are the definitive rockers “Slackjawed” and “Carry My Picture,” the thoughtful ballad, “74-75” and the compelling twosome “New Boy” and “Eyes on the Ground,” each of which could have brought the band mainstream success had they been given more attention at the time. Despite the band’s admirable attempts, the music failed to find the larger audience it so decidedly deserved. 

Consequently, credit Craft Recordings, a fine reissue label, with offering The Connells a chance for belated kudos, courtesy of this generous 34-song set, which includes the original album bolstered by demos, live tracks, radio edits, and unreleased recordings. The second disc includes early efforts at conceiving the Ring recordings, while concert versions of “New Boy,” “Wonder Why” and “74-75” demonstrate how well certain songs translated from studio to stage. The band’s melodic intents blended well with a riveting delivery, demonstrating that they were — and are — a most competent and cohesive combo.

Ultimately, Ring comes across as a decidedly demonstrative set of songs, one on a par with anything by the Pixies, the Flaming Groovies, or the Replacements. David Menconi’s liner notes and the song lyrics augment the effort, making for an excellent compendium that ought to elevate The Connell’s stature, not only in underground circles but in broader realms as well.

Photo by Ed Morgan / Missing Piece