Walking Proof
New West, 2020
9/10
A songstress who can seemingly do no wrong, this 4th album from Lilly Hiatt puts her in great company as she pens her most mature record to date while expanding from her country roots into various versions of rock’n’roll.
“Rae”, written for her sister, starts the listen bare with Hiatt’s sweet pipes alongside a soft guitar before building into a spirited Americana setting, and “P-Town” follows with a punchy pop-rock feeling and some memorable guitar crunch.
Further on, “Candy Lunch” enters balladry as light and melodic touches highlight the calm atmosphere, while the rhythmic and pop friendly “Walking Proof” makes good use of fiddle and backing vocals from Amanda Shires. The album highlight arrives late, as the gritty yet tuneful “Brightest Star” offers playful roots rock while hinting at some punk energy from Hiatt.
Near the end, “Move” touches on the songstresses deeply ingrained country roots with soft melodies and Luke Schneider’s pedal steel, and “Scream” exits the listen sparse, with much attention to atmosphere on the slow burning finish where blues and soul nods are in attendance.
Hiatt has sorted through plenty of turmoil in her life, including sobriety and the suicide of her mother, and she’s always been able to turn life’s obstacles into great song craft. Walking Proof includes some of her best work to date, and again illustrates just why she’s one of today’s best songwriters.
Travels well with: Aaron Lee Tasjan- Karma For Cheap; Andrew Combs- Ideal Man