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Harvey Russell Reviews New Turnpike Troubadours Album “A Cat In The Rain”
On “A Cat in the Rain” Turnpike Troubadours give us a glimpse into the struggles of the past few years and reassure us they can still produce quality, red dirt country.
There were many times over the last four years when this record seemed inconceivable. With the band on an indefinite hiatus, following frontman and songwriter Evan Felker’s breakdown, there was a chance we’d heard the last of the Turnpike Troubadours.
With Felker getting sober, and with some firm guard rails around his return to playing live, the band began touring and recording again in 2022.
A Cat in the Rain is a comeback album. It’s release is emblematic of the unlikely, yet triumphant, story that is the Turnpike Troubadours of 2023. A while back (early 2019 to be a little more precise) things came apart at the seams. This was at a time when the band’s recognition and success was at an all time high. Put simply, without a functioning lead man and songwriter the band couldn’t go on.
Away from the distracting and escapist comfort of the road, and with the fortitude it took to face his demons, Felker turned things around. As with the band, it appears he has come out stronger on the other side. And with fans flocking to their shows in the past 15 months, support has only grown. There’s a lot of love at these recent live shows as well as gratitude and understated forgiveness. For the band, and for Felker in particular, there’s redemption in all of it.
Given the circumstances of its release it might be tempting to assess the merits of this album with wide and fawning eyes. Indeed, it’s existence is a feat in itself. On any assessment this is a strong Turnpike Troubadours album. But it doesn’t introduce a new direction or change of style, and it would be bold to say this is their absolute best effort yet. However, what it does do is ground the band firmly in its roots at a time when they need it most. It signals a brave return and a message that the band is back in town and hopefully here to stay.
I read somewhere that Felker is an Ernest Hemmingway fan. ‘Papa’s’ short stories, one of which shares the same title as this album, often employ the iceberg theory to writing (or theory of omission). This is where only limited but important facts about a story become evident, leaving much of the real structure under the surface for the reader to deduce. This should sound familiar to Turnpike fans. Felker often gives us clear descriptions of situations pertinent to his lyrical storytelling, yet there always a lot bubbling away under the surface. Many of the songs on A Cat in the Rain are no exception.
The band announces its return together, in an ominous and eerie fashion at the start of the opening track and first single, “Mean Old Sun”, with curdled backing vocals chanting behind a lone banjo. Lyrically, this is Felker defining the period he spent recently in the wilderness, putting in the work to be strong enough to return. This one hits with a heavy beat and makes a strong statement. It’s the anthemic “Gin, Smoke, Lies” ten years on, with the production befitting a world class country band.
“Brought Me” is next. And it’s a hard ask not to have this hook-soaked gem on repeat. This is the kind of track Turnpike fans will have been waiting for during the six years between albums. Combining country, red dirt and cajun influences this is an affecting love song to the Turnpike community to say thank you for waiting. There are also reassurances: “Oh now, it still beats steady/This heart I handed you for free/Should you ever need a thing/It won’t be hard to find.”
Written by emerging artist Lance Roark and bassist R.C. Edwards, “Chipping Mill” is a catchy, familiar track, jostling for air with classic upbeat Turnpike songs such as “Morgan Street” or “7&7”. “A Cat in the Rain”, “East Side Love Song” and dark, western “Lucille” have Felker contemplating his muse with varying degrees of intensity. Interestingly, the persistent character of Lorrie is noticeably absent on this record.
Felker does hunting songs well and “The Rut” is no exception. Reminiscing about family trips into the mountains, the songwriter uses this opportunity to reflect honestly about his struggles with alcohol and the resolve he is now applying to create a better life. “I don’t miss the taste of liquor or really anything about it/But the temporary shelter was a welcome compromise/Oh friend, I’m gonna ride out of the rut I’m in/A little elevation and an open-ended prayer.” The southern country cover of Ozark Mountain Daredevils “Black Sky” is an interesting choice and a change of pace for a record that, stylistically, is otherwise not a significant departure from previous Turnpike outings.
Producer Shooter Jennings has managed to maintain much of the familiar Turnpike sound while bringing things up a notch, certainly compared to the early albums. The band is playing as well as they ever have. And Jennings has allowed each member’s contribution to shine, perhaps moreso than on previous albums. The team effort is emphasised in the final moments of the last song on the record, a cover of Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Won’t You Give Me One More Chance” with the band singing their appeal in unison, just as they came in.
The Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards lit up Tamworth last night, celebrating the very best in Australian country music. With 17 categories recognizing work from October 2023 to September 2024, the evening was filled with historic wins and unforgettable performances.
Troy Cassar-Daley dominated the night, taking home five awards, including Male Artist of the Year, Toyota Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Some Days.” His total tally of Golden Guitars now stands at an incredible 45, cementing his place as Australia’s most decorated country artist.
Global country superstar Keith Urban added a new accolade to his collection with the prestigious Roll of Renown induction and Top Selling Australian Country Album for HIGH. Reflecting on his journey from Peel Street to global stardom, Urban described the honour as a dream come true.
Max Jackson, last year’s New Talent of the Year, added two more awards to her name, including Female Artist of the Year, while delivering a stunning performance of her winning single, “A Little More Country.”
Local favourite Ashleigh Dallas celebrated another win with Setting Suns crowned Traditional Country Album of the Year, and Casey Barnes’ upbeat album Mayday secured Contemporary Country Album of the Year.
Collaborations shone brightly as The Wolfe Brothers and Kaylee Bell’s “Beer in a Bar” earned Vocal Collaboration of the Year. Meanwhile, bluegrass queen Kristy Cox picked up her seventh Golden Guitar for Let It Burn.
Emerging talent also took centre stage. Lane Pittman, currently on tour with Luke Combs, was named New Talent of the Year, marking an exciting chapter for the former Tamworth local.
The night reflected the heart and talent of country music in Australia, wrapping up one of the busiest and most vibrant festival’s in recent memory.
Rising country music star Felicity Kircher has been named the 45th Toyota Star Maker, following an electrifying Grand Final at the 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival. Representing Tingalpa, Queensland, Kircher captivated the audience with heartfelt performances of her original songs Dear Rose and Ultimatum, securing her place as one of Australia’s most promising emerging artists.
Kircher, a seasoned performer and multi-instrumentalist, has spent over a decade honing her craft on stages across Australia. From touring with Kasey Chambers to standout appearances at festivals like Gympie Muster and Savannah in the Round, she has solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in contemporary country music. Her recent single, I Am Cry, has been making waves on radio and streaming platforms, further showcasing her versatility and talent.
The competition, held at Toyota Park, featured 10 finalists backed by the renowned Sam Hawksley Allstar Band. Each delivered two songs, but it was Kircher’s unique voice, stage presence, and artistic depth that won over the judges.
Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown praised Kircher’s readiness to embrace the next phase of her career: “Felicity is an inspiring artist who continues to test musical boundaries. We are excited to see her flourish with the support of the Star Maker program.”
As the Toyota Star Maker winner, Kircher receives a prize package worth over $100,000, including 12 months’ use of a Toyota vehicle, fuel cards, and recording opportunities. The Star Maker program has a legacy of propelling its winners into the spotlight, and Kircher’s victory promises an exciting future for the young artist.
Congratulations to Felicity Kircher on this remarkable achievement!
Southwest WA’s very own country singer-songwriter, Dave Kent, is making waves with the announcement of his new single, “Fifteen Minutes to Moora”, and his debut EP, “Nannup to Nashville”. Both projects are now available for pre-save, with the single dropping on January 27, and the EP following closely on January 31 via indie label RTC Records.
Kent’s “Nannup to Nashville” is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a heartfelt journey through life’s twists and turns, painted with the raw honesty that only someone who’s lived every note can convey. After years on the sidelines, Kent has finally stepped into the spotlight, delivering songs that resonate with dreamers, wanderers, and anyone who’s faced life’s challenges head-on.
Born during a period of upheaval in his life, this EP captures the spirit of Americana while weaving tales of chasing dreams, navigating heartbreak, and rebuilding a life from the ground up. “I hope people enjoy it as much as I enjoy playing them,” Kent shares, highlighting the personal nature of this milestone project.
The standout track, “Fifteen Minutes to Moora”, is a heartfelt anthem that speaks directly to Australia’s Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) workers. With vivid imagery and an evocative narrative, Kent encapsulates the emotional journey of those final moments on the road home after long stretches away. Set against the vast landscapes of Western Australia, the song echoes the timeless sounds of country greats like Ian Moss, Cold Chisel, and Fanny Lumsden.
For fans of authentic storytelling and heartfelt melodies, Kent’s EP promises to be an unforgettable experience. From the serene landscapes of Nannup to the neon lights of Nashville, his music bridges traditional country influences with a distinctly Australian twist.
Where to Catch Dave Kent Live
To celebrate the release of his new music, Dave Kent will be hitting the stage at some of Australia’s top venues, including:
- Sat 18/1 – Riverside Stage, 6:15 pm (TCMF)
- Sun 19/1 – Big Golden Guitar, 11 am (TCMF)
- Sun 19/1 – Toyota Fanzone, 3:30 pm (TCMF)
- Mon 20/1 – JB Hi-Fi Stage, 1 pm (TCMF)
- Sun 2/3 – Froth Craft, Bunbury
- Sat 19/4 – Rocky Ridge, Busselton
How to Support Dave Kent
Pre-save “Fifteen Minutes to Moora” and the digital EP “Nannup to Nashville” at the links below:
Pre-save Fifteen Minutes to Moora
Pre-save Nannup to Nashville Digital EP
Pre-order Nannup to Nashville Signed CD
Don’t miss this rising star as he brings his stories and songs to life, proving that no dream is too distant to chase.
Golden Night in Tamworth: Winners Announced for 53rd Golden Guitar Awards
Felicity Kircher Crowned Toyota Star Maker 2025
