Reviews
“Slowheart” – Kip Moore
Kip Moore’s third studio album, Slowheart, released in 2017, captures the essence of a well-traveled soul who has found his groove in both sound and storytelling. It’s an album that blends a rich array of genres—country, rock, and folk—while remaining true to Moore’s distinctive voice. With Slowheart, Moore delivers a collection of songs that explore the themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, packaged in a gritty, authentic style that fans have come to expect.
From the opening track, “Plead the Fifth,” Moore sets a strong tone, leading with a driving rock beat that introduces the listener to the album’s confident and reflective mood. It’s a song that sees Moore struggling to let go of a past love, yet defiantly refusing to reveal all his vulnerabilities. His raspy voice cuts through the layered guitars, a staple of his sound, delivering a powerful statement: he’s both bruised and resilient.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “More Girls Like You,” has an uplifting, feel-good vibe that celebrates the idea of love changing a man for the better. It’s a catchy tune, with its upbeat tempo and lyrics that reflect a softer side of Moore’s otherwise rugged persona. With lines like “I’d still be dreaming of the days that I’d be meeting girls like you,” the song offers a balance between his carefree spirit and his longing for a deeper connection.
Slowheart excels in its sonic diversity. Moore effortlessly shifts from the breezy, surf-rock inspired “Sunburn” to the more introspective “Bittersweet Company,” showing his ability to navigate through various emotional and musical landscapes. “Sunburn” evokes images of freedom, youthful recklessness, and summer flings, while “Bittersweet Company” showcases Moore’s more contemplative side, reflecting on a fleeting love that was beautiful yet impossible to hold onto.
In “The Bull,” Moore gives a nod to his journey as an artist. It’s an anthem for anyone who has faced rejection and challenges but refused to back down. With its raw energy and unapologetic lyrics like “Here’s to the bull that led me here,” the song is a tribute to resilience and perseverance—a theme that resonates throughout the album.
“Blonde” is another standout track, one that taps into a more cynical view of fame and the sacrifices made to achieve it. In this biting ballad, Moore addresses someone who traded their authenticity for success. It’s a sharp, observational track that shows Moore’s ability to write with both wit and a touch of bitterness.
Moore’s storytelling reaches its peak in the closing track, “Guitar Man.” Stripped down to the basics, this acoustic number paints a vivid picture of a man whose life is driven by his love for music. It’s one of the most personal tracks on the album, offering a glimpse into Moore’s own life as a musician who finds solace on the road and in his art. The vulnerability in his voice, paired with the simplicity of the guitar, makes it a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to the album.
Slowheart stands out as a deeply personal and musically rich album, one that reflects Kip Moore’s journey both as an artist and a man. With its mix of upbeat anthems, introspective ballads, and rock-infused tracks, it’s an album that showcases Moore’s growth, both lyrically and musically. Fans of Moore will find plenty to love here, while newcomers will be drawn in by the raw honesty and authenticity that permeates every song. In Slowheart, Kip Moore offers a soundtrack to life’s highs and lows, all wrapped in the warm, familiar tones of his gritty country-rock sound.
Van Walker’s latest album, Healing Descent, is a testament to his lyrical brilliance and emotional depth. Recorded in just four days during a break in his Canadian tour, the album reunites Van with long-time collaborator Chris Altmann and introduces Carl Jennings as part of the creative force behind its production. Together, they’ve crafted a collection of ten tracks that are as musically diverse as they are thematically profound.
Drawing inspiration from the first spring of lockdown in 2020, Van captures a delicate balance between optimism and reflection. Tracks like “Persephone’s Return” and “Her Gentleness” sparkle with hope, celebrating renewal and the unstoppable resilience of nature. Yet, the album doesn’t shy away from darker undertones, with songs like “Certainty of Sand” exploring themes of loss and uncertainty.
Healing Descent also showcases a subtle yet powerful interplay of seasons, with tracks such as “Summer Thunder” and “Winter’s Last Words” adding a cyclical, almost poetic, narrative. This undercurrent of “Ruin & Refuge” and “Death & Reanimation” ties the album together, making it more than just a collection of songs—it’s a cohesive journey through life’s tumultuous moments and the promise of renewal.
Van’s vocal and lyrical artistry are perfectly complemented by Altmann’s production expertise and Jennings’ studio mastery, breathing life into the album’s earthy yet intricate soundscapes. With Healing Descent, Van Walker proves once again why his music resonates deeply, offering listeners an album that is both profoundly personal and universally relatable. This is an artist at the peak of his craft, reminding us of the beauty and resilience found in both music and life itself.
Reviews
REVIEW: The Four Seasons – Henry Wagons
Henry Wagons’ latest album, “The Four Seasons”, is an enthralling exploration of alt-country music that fuses classic and contemporary styles. This album demonstrates Wagons’ distinctive talent for combining humour, feeling, and musical exploration into a unified and captivating listening experience that leaves you wanting more
Henry Wagons’ latest album, “The Four Seasons”, is an enthralling exploration of alt-country music that fuses classic and contemporary styles. This album demonstrates Wagons’ distinctive talent for combining humour, feeling, and musical exploration into a unified and captivating listening experience that leaves you wanting more and awaiting the chance to embrace this album in a live experience, dimly lit, smoke filled room, whiskey in hand.
Early in the album Wagons leads us into “Freight Train (Going South),” with eerie backing vocals and a piercing train horn establish the mood. With lyrics like “once you ride this train, you ain’t gonna want to ride trains no more,” Wagons ‘s deep, resonant voice evokes a feeling of exploration and self-reflection. Wagons’ talent for combining comedy and emotional storytelling is on full display in this and other songs like “I’m Glad I Fell In Love With You,” which incorporates pedal steel and sobbing mandolins.
Among the notable collaborations on the album are the duets with Queenie, a fellow Melburnian. Queenie’s vocals elevate the dramatic stakes of “Open The Door,” which culminate in a musically violent climax that is a stunning contrast to the introverted piano melody. The slower shuffle rhythm and pedal steel of “Surrender” evoke feelings of hesitancy and self-reflection, revealing a more sensitive side of the artist.
The instrumental interludes that distinguish “The Four Seasons” are a notable aspect of the album. With its hints of openness and independence muted by sinister undertones, “Autumn” evokes the atmosphere of a contemporary western mood piece. Leaning into a Sergio Leone-inspired soundscape, “Summer” has whistling and echoey brass that evokes visions of expansive, sun-kissed vistas. Minimalists in structure, “Winter” showcases acoustic guitar and swaying synths, while “Spring” provides a quick, energetic soundscape. Together, they make an impression and almost like brief intermezzo’s of the seasons and the landscape experience of Wagons’ himself.
The versatility of Wagons’ sound is on full display throughout the record. The semi-mechanized rhythm and swelling trumpets of “Park At The Station (Friends Of Mine)” create a new Melbourne ballad that delves into pragmatic crises and tales of friendship. With its bluesy tones and the touch of booze on the lips “Are You Impressed” gives the album yet another emotional edge that is hard to escape.
When experienced as a whole, “The Four Seasons” demonstrates Henry Wagons’ adaptability and originality. Sit back, relax, and let yourself be swept away by the album’s complex, lush soundscapes. Everyone from classic country music lovers to those seeking more contemporary sounds will find something they like on this album. With his deep voice, astute lyrics, and a wide array of musical influences, The Four Seasons is an outstanding alt-country album and one sure to feature in several end of year lists and awards nominations.
Reviews
REVIEW: Brighter Days – Dwight Yoakam
Country music icon Dwight Yoakam returns with Brighter Days, his first album of new music in nearly a decade. This release showcases not only Yoakam’s signature honky-tonk flair but also a more introspective side, inspired by his journey as a husband and family man. The album feels like a celebration of love, resilience, and the beauty of simpler moments, wrapped in Yoakam’s timeless blend of traditional and modern country sounds.
Country music icon Dwight Yoakam returns with Brighter Days, his first album of new music in nearly a decade. This release showcases not only Yoakam’s signature honky-tonk flair but also a more introspective side, inspired by his journey as a husband and family man. The album feels like a celebration of love, resilience, and the beauty of simpler moments, wrapped in Yoakam’s timeless blend of traditional and modern country sounds.
The album kicks off with “Wide Open Heart,” an upbeat, twangy anthem that channels Yoakam’s classic sound. It’s a song of love and commitment, where he opens up about finding strength in vulnerability. The track sets the tone for the album with its catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, reminding fans why Yoakam’s voice and style remain so compelling.
The album progresses with Yoakam’s iconic insight to honky tonk and country music highlighting every track before “A Dream That Never Ends” slows things down, bringing a reflective, almost wistful energy. Yoakam’s vocals feel particularly emotive here, as he sings about cherishing the present moment.
Brighter Days also features three intriguing cover songs that showcase Yoakam’s ability to blend influences from across genres. The Carter Family’s “Keep On The Sunny Side” is a tribute to classic country, bringing a comforting sense of nostalgia. Cake’s “Bound Away” introduces an indie flair, and Yoakam’s take on Chris Hillman’s “Time Between” pays homage to The Byrds’ roots-rock legacy, infusing it with his own honky-tonk twist.
The standout track on Brighter Days has to be “I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye,” a surprise duet with Post Malone. This unexpected pairing works beautifully, as Yoakam’s rich, earthy tone complements Malone’s raw, emotional delivery. Together, they fuse generations and highlight one’s legendary status in country music and the others respectful and soulful homage which makes this one of the standouts not only on this album, but also of 2024.
Throughout Brighter Days, Yoakam’s lyrics reflect his personal growth and new perspectives. The themes of love, family, and finding light in dark times are woven through each song, creating a cohesive narrative that feels genuine and heartfelt. After nine years, Yoakam’s return with Brighter Days reminds us of his undeniable talent for storytelling and his unique ability to bridge the old and the new in country music. Fans of Yoakam will find plenty to love in this album, which not only celebrates his legacy but also signals a new chapter in his life and career.
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