It’s not often that an album feels both steeped in tradition and remarkably fresh, but Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno have pulled off something special with their self-titled debut. This is roots music in its purest form—a celebration of Appalachian and old-time influences while managing to sound undeniably relevant in today’s landscape. For fans of folk, Americana, and country, this album is a true gem.
From the opening track, “Will You,” Leva and Calcagno establish an immediate intimacy, the kind that makes you feel like you’re sitting in a circle of friends, passing the guitar around and sharing stories. Their harmonies are seamless and striking, capturing that timeless magic of duos like Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. There’s a purity to their vocal blend that feels almost effortless, like the two were born to sing together.
Leva’s voice, in particular, stands out as a focal point of the album—rich, emotive, and full of heart. She delivers lyrics with a quiet power, drawing you into the stories she tells. In songs like “Leaving on Our Minds” and “Love and Chains,” you can feel the weight of the world balanced against the lightness of love and longing. Calcagno’s musicianship, meanwhile, is masterful but never flashy, providing the perfect complement to Leva’s vocals. His fiddle work is particularly stunning, adding depth and texture to each track.
What makes this album truly remarkable, though, is its ability to feel so grounded in tradition while still sounding fresh. Songs like “On Account of You” and “Hollowed Hearts” echo the old-time ballads and mountain music of another era, yet they come across as relevant and alive in today’s ever-changing musical landscape. The duo’s commitment to authenticity shines through in every note, yet they never fall into the trap of sounding overly nostalgic or derivative.
I don’t make this comparison easily, but these two remind me of what I loved about Mandolin Orange when I first found them. It’s a timeless, endearing sound that pulls the listener in by the soul. The album does not have a “skip” track on it, but likewise I find it difficult to name a favorite, either. There are several songs that fill me with nostalgia and longing for a time that I can’t quite ever return to (but that’s another theme for another day). If you pin me down to one track, I pick “Biding All My Time,” a heartache track that feels 50 years past its prime (in the best way possible).
Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno have created an album that feels like it could have been recorded in the hills of Appalachia or in a modern studio. It’s a testament to their skill as songwriters and musicians that they’ve managed to craft something so timeless and new all at once. This is music for the soul—gentle, thoughtful, and beautifully human. If you’re a fan of the roots revival, this album is a must-listen.
*NOTE: I realize that this album released in 2021, but I am living by the adage “better late than never.” I still want our readers to know about this wonderful album. I’m also working on a process that will help me get these reviews done in a more timely manner. In the meantime, listen to this amazing music, please.
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