Quick Draw
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
A unique outfit from Ohio with a penchant for honky tonk, classic country and vintage rock’n’roll, this debut album from Ryan Humbert and company embraces the best elements of Nashville, Texas and Bakersfield in their creative vision.
“Cleaning House” starts the listen and doesn’t take long impressing us with its retro honky tonk approach that’s highly melodic, full of crisp, swift drumming and agile guitar work, and “I’d Rather Be Lonely” follows with a breezy approach that’s cautious with warm pedal steel amid a reflective tone.
Moving towards the middle, the brisk “Quick Draw” is an instrumental track of playful, unpredictable country rock, while “Must Be Love” resides in romantic territory as the emotive duet recruits well timed fiddle alongside a country shuffle. “Alimony”, another exceptional track, then illustrates the strong vocal work of Humbert as Jon Cowherd’s agile keys add much to the charming Americana.
Landing closer to the end, “Radio Jesus” is a thoughtful, gospel influenced track with much dreaminess, and “Losing Faith In Being Faithful” continues the elegance with both keys and strings illuminating the well thought out finish.
The Shootouts stayed busy after this album, sharing the stage with Sheryl Crow, Lake Street Dive and Robbie Fulks to name a few, and their much anticipated sophomore effort, Bullseye, is set to land this month. I’ve already spent time with the album, and it expands on their inimitable formula in exciting ways that will see space here soon.
Travels well with: The Beat Farmers- Tales Of The New West; Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar