May Flood - No Street Lights on the Bayou (1999)

From the heart of funk-rich New Orleans, No Street Lights on the Bayou is the 1999 debut album by May Flood. Known for fusing Southern rock, funk, blues, and grunge into something truly their own. The band features guitarist/vocalist Brian Strong of Abuse and drummer Henry Klibert of Kûr'nel. Originally recorded at Holly House Studios in Biloxi, Mississippi, this self-released gem captures a wide emotional and sonic range that still holds up over two decades later.

The album opens with Over the Hills, radiating upbeat, feel good Southern rock energy. It’s followed by Get High, which slows things down into a bluesier, more melancholic groove while still retaining that Southern rock warmth before picking up speed near the end. By the third track, Rainy Nights, the mood deepens. A slower darker piece that keeps a steady pace throughout, delivering melancholic lyrics and a hook-laden chorus that makes it an undeniable standout.

Then the band shifts gears. Group Therapy hits hard with a funk metal and grunge rock edge, one of the heaviest tracks on the album and another personal favorite. Funky Ones blends darker grungy acoustic verses with a chilled out, relaxing chorus. The song cycles between these two moods, making for a haunting yet laid back listening experience.

Hiding Places will immediately hook you with a slap bass intro and heavy guitar riffs. The dynamics here are excellent, the bass and drum outro paired with squealing guitar in the background creates a hypnotic and immersive ending.

From there, Broken Heart returns the listener to a slow, bluesy atmosphere that's soulfully delivered. The energy kicks back up with Love Gives, which echoes the bright optimism of Over the Hills. A feel good, Southern rock track with a heavy moment in the middle where guitar, drums, and slap bass collide.

The album reaches one of its peak intensities with Empty Bodies, a heavy funk metal barrage that slows into a crushing groove by the end. Finally, Dream brings the album to a close with clean guitar tones and a slow, chill atmosphere. Perfect comedown after the journey through May Flood’s eclectic soundscape.

Throughout No Street Lights on the Bayou, the band delivers an excellent mix of acoustic/electric guitar, funky groovy bass lines, and dynamic powerful drums. Their sound draws inspiration from a wide range of influences including Primus, Tool, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Led Zeppelin, Lynard Skynard and yet remains uniquely their own.

Band Lineup:

Brian Strong – Lead Guitar, Vocals

Tim Martin – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Billy McGaha – Bass

Henry Klibert – Drums

This upload is shared with permission from drummer Henry Klibert to help preserve and share this lost piece of late '90s Louisiana rock history.


0:00 Over The Hills
3:16 Get High
8:35 Rainy Nights
13:20 Group Therapy
17:37 Funky One
22:30 Hiding Places
26:19 Broken Heart
30:14 Love Gives
32:40 Empty Bodies
36:01 Dream