The 250 Years of America (Volume 1) – Various Artists (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

As America marks its 250th Anniversary, Bongo Boy Records is doing its bit with the release of The 250 Years of America, a double album featuring nineteen tracks by independent artists from across the United States. Drawing on a range of musical styles, this collection explores themes associated with the nation’s history and identity, including patriotism, faith, hope, courage, community, and perseverance, by bringing together established and emerging performers, and in turn serves as both a celebration of that magnificent milestone as well as a showcase for the diversity of today’s independent music scene.

It is only fitting that co-producer Ann M Wolf opens the album with “And Our Flag Was Still There,” a modern, cinematic, and scintillating rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and a perfect way to kick off such a celebration. And, again, fittingly, it is the album’s other producer, Monique Grimme, who follows with “The Van Der Heyden Name, Troy, New York.” And if the first track explores the country’s cultural spirit, this track celebrates the pioneering spirit of Grimme’s own Dutch settler ancestors.

“Happy Birthday America Two Five Zero” is more obvious in its delivery, L.Y.M. giving us a straightforward, low-slung, guitar-driven, kick-ass Happy Birthday song replete with growling six-strings, fist-in-the-air beats and anthemic singalong-ability. But even within this party-starting beast of a song, it still has room to remind us that sometimes things deviate from the plan but that the American beat goes on, and eventually the path is found once more.

Sweet Crystal offers up a power-ballad prayer for the country’s armed forces and protectors as they stand guard at the homeland’s borders and far-flung bastions, searing and shimmering guitar lines scorching through the song as eternal thanks are given. And if Gar Francis is often found with one foot on the monitor laying down some major rock and roll riffery, here he errs on the side of the more deft and delicate, “Rocket” being that perfect blend of roots rock rhythms and folky finesse, acoustic guitars gently dueling with wandering fiddles.

“The Wall” is another dedication to those who have given their lives for their country, with A. J. Gundell telling the story of the father he never met, writing letters to a name and number on the memorial wall. A drifting blend of pride and heartache, floating sonics and martial beats, and a soundtrack to all those who have given their lives to defend the idea of America.

Inches From Sin takes on that most powerful symbol of America, “The Flag” itself, via their signature blend of indie vibes, rock prowess, and pop potency. It is as anthemic and authentic, as poignant and powerful as the song’s name suggests. Ann M Wolf returns with a dedication to those who serve and survive only to find themselves in prisons, foreign and domestic, something she advocates not just in song but in her everyday life too.

“Forged From Fire” is for anyone who has faced adversity and emerged from the ordeal stronger, a pop-rock song built on many levels, not least inspired in part by the memory of Willow Layne‘s own U.S. Navy veteran father but also perhaps a metaphor for the nation itself.

And if this first volume began in the realms of historical music, Chris Van Cleve‘s rendition of “America the Beautiful,” just a stunning voice and subtle, picked guitar, a song inspired by a train ride across Colorado one hundred and thirty-three years ago, is the perfect ending.

As both a commemorative celebration of America and a showcase for independent talent, The 250 Years of America works so well because of the diverse range of artists who come together to interpret a common theme through their own unique creative lens. Whether you take it as a tribute to a significant national milestone or simply as a collection of well-crafted songs, or indeed both, it demonstrates the breadth, creativity, and enduring appeal of America’s independent music community.