The Bard Band – Dread Not The Ferryman
“Dread Not the Ferryman” takes you on an adventure through myth, mystery, and classic rock scenes, combining narrative storytelling with a sound tribute to 1970s greats. The Bard Band’s inspirations are obvious from the first chord: a heady mix of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Doobie Brothers, and The Allman Brothers, filtered through their own raw, psychedelic energy prism. The song begins with a 70s-inspired guitar riff that recalls a time when funk and rock combined in harmony. The tone is warm with sophisticated and complicated guitar work that grabs listeners in right away. By 0:45, the tune has transformed into a complete jam, with guitars dancing in a dreamy state, carrying the listener on an endless rock adventure. The 45-second span between 0:45 and 1:30 feels like an ecstatic moment, bringing the spirits of classic rock guitar major players to life. Jamie Pagliaro’s lyrics lead us to a dark and spooky world, where mythological creatures and odd individuals blur the line between fiction and reality. The ferryman of the underworld, a character from Greek mythology, turns into a modern-day danger, preparing breakfast in a café while carrying souls and silver coins. The lyrics are filled with metaphor and pictures, creating vibrant, almost cinematic pictures of bloody rags, piles of teeth, and a demon that haunts your dreams. The organ at 2:05 is a highlight, bringing an additional layer of psychedelic dimension that transforms the song from traditional rock to something more strange. It gives the impression of slipping deeper into the supernatural, as if the listener is being drawn along with the ferryman’s passengers, gliding across the Styx. “Dread Not the Ferryman” is more than a song; it is an experience. In less than five minutes, they manage to take the listener over time and space while maintaining the song grounded in the rough, guitar-driven reality of classic rock.
The BARD Band photo courtesy of Jamie Pagliaro
