Music Review: Happy Trails (To You) by Eastern Elk is Wishing You All The Best

Rising from the Philadelphia underground, Eastern Elk gives a refreshing facelift to an old genre. In their latest single “Happy Trails (To You)” you clearly recognize the inspiration from rock champions like Neil Young and Tom Petty, but feel stimulated by the country and folk references throughout the tune. Self released on July 26 along with an official music video, this song is sure to be echoing through every brewery and beer hall in the region soon.

The song kicks off with syncopated guitar, mandolin and drums rocking in time with some well placed hits to rev up the listener. A pedal steel guitar, played by special guest Pat Kane, comes swelling in after a measure and you feel immediately transported to your favorite local watering hole. The song overall feels nostalgic and familiar in all the best ways. The lyrics focus on the theme of continuing to travel life’s winding roads but always keeping your friends and family close at heart. 

In the band is Jake Czerwin playing guitar, Richard Derke playing guitar and vocals, Frank Gavin playing drums, Neil Kremer playing guitar, mandolin, and vocals, and Jesse Will on bass. Guests on the track include the aforementioned Pat Kane on pedal steel guitar.

Producer Josh Aaron added some percussion and recorded the song at Hi5 Studios in Philadelphia, then sent the song to Kristian Montano at Montano Mastering in Toronto Canada for the final touch. Check out the song and see them live at Kelly’s Logan House in Wilmington on September 27.