Article by: Jolene Roderick

Released July 31, 2025

West Virginia’s The Settlement have never been a band to color inside the lines. From the moment their funk-fusion engine roared to life nearly a decade ago, they’ve been restlessly blending the earthy swagger of rock, the mathematical intrigue of jazz, the slow burn of reggae, and whatever global flavors happen to be simmering in their creative kitchen that week. Their latest album, Days Go By, is both a natural evolution and a fearless leap — a sprawling, kaleidoscopic set of jams that manage to feel meticulously crafted while still breathing with the spontaneity of an unplanned midnight session.

Right out of the gate, “Rainbow” sets the tone with a slow, funky sway that eventually blooms into a technicolor psychedelic jam. The lyrical premise — chasing a “pile of gold at the end of the rainbow” — works as a sly nod to the wandering spirit of the band itself: always searching, always moving.

From there, “The One That Got Away” pivots into tropical funk territory, riding a breezy groove that belies the bittersweet core of its lyrics. The track also features guest saxophonist Casey Cranford (Big Something), whose horn work adds a smooth, expressive lift that perfectly threads between the rhythm section and vocals. It’s a reminder that The Settlement can make you dance even when they’re singing about heartbreak.

“Linger” is a bass-and-drum clinic, locked into a deep pocket that lets every note hang in the air just long enough to make you sweat. Meanwhile, “Sweetness” glides in with a warm saxophone embrace — again courtesy of Cranford — delivering one of the album’s most romantic and open-hearted moments.

The back half of Days Go By trades the sweetness for adventure. “Midnight Train” feels like a late-night escape with no set destination — part outlaw blues, part rolling jam — while the title track is pure Settlement energy: upbeat, anthemic, and built for a festival crowd singing it back under the summer sun.

“Lift” slows the tempo just enough to let its warmth seep in before bursting into brighter tempos, a sonic metaphor for the push and pull of love. But it’s “Searching” that cements Days Go By as the band’s boldest work yet — a nearly eight-minute odyssey that morphs from anxious pulse to thunderous release, complete with a jaw-dropping drum solo and a roaring guitar finale that leaves the listener both exhausted and exhilarated.

At its core, Days Go By isn’t just an album — it’s a living, breathing setlist. You can feel the band’s telepathic interplay, the way they give each other space and then come crashing back together at exactly the right moment. Engineered and mixed by Bill Stevens and mastered by Dave McNair, the production keeps every instrument distinct without losing the messy, beautiful chaos that makes The Settlement who they are.

Days Go By is streaming now on bandcamp — but trust us, you’ll want to give it more than a casual listen. Turn it up, sink in, and let The Settlement’s groove pull you somewhere between the dance floor and a mountain sunrise.

Follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X to keep up with new music, live videos, and behind-the-scenes chaos from the road.

And if you really want to feel Days Go By come to life, mark your calendar for SettleFest 2025 — October 10–11 at the Mountaintop Pavilion at ACE Adventure Resort in the heart of the New River Gorge. Two full days of music, fall foliage, and good vibes, headlined by The Settlement with a stacked lineup including Yarn, Into The Fog, John Inghram Band, Jeremy Short, and more. Onsite camping, craft brews, and Appalachian autumn sunsets are all included in the price of admission.

🎟 Tickets and full details at aceraft.com/event/settlefest

Come for the jams, stay for the adventure — and leave with your ears ringing, your soul full, and your calendar already marked for next year.

🎧 Listen to the album
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