A Whole Lot Of Freedom
Blue Belly, 2020
8/10
Listen to A Whole Lot Of Freedom
The former solo artists Robin Dean Salmon and Afton Seekins came together as Surrender Hill, where their warm and elegant brand of Americana shines bright with diverse backgrounds from them both on this 4th album.
“A Whole Lot Of Freedom” starts the listen with fluid guitars and vocals from both members as the tune shifts to a more bare approach of country rock, and “Turn This Train Around” follows with folk qualities as Salmon’s smooth vocals dominate the cautious landscape.
With 18 tunes present, there’s a lot to absorb here, but the duo keep things varied with the pretty singing from Seekins on the lush “Broken Down Car”, while “Chase Me Down” brings more classic country ideas to the introspective delivery. “Spend On Love”, one of the stand out tunes, then displays their precise and universal song craft with mass appeal.
Near the end, the harmonica friendly “Waiting On A Dream” finds a dreamy place to reside, and “Badge Of A Punk Rock Band” revolves around Salmon’s previous punk days as the music flows with timeless roots rock. The record ends with “The Ballad Of Rebel Wingfield”, a soft and harmonic finish that complements the well executed effort perfectly.
A listen that touches on all the things we love about rootsy, Americana sounds, the soaring harmonies, grittier moments and all sort of eloquent songwriting here makes A Whole Lot Of Freedom another glowing record in the Surrender Hill catalog.
Travels well with: Wyatt Edmondson- If I Don’t Try; Lynne Hanson- Just Words