Stone Sessions
Chicken Ranch, 2022
9/10
The Waymores are the duo of Willie Heath Neal and Kira Annalise, and together their rich harmonies and relatable lyrics touch on the classic country ideas of Conway Twitty or June Carter, and they inject a bit of honky tonk into the equation, too.
“Heart Of Stone” opens the listen with crisp drumming, warm guitars and a frisky tempo that welcomes both pretty and raw singing in the dance friendly climate, and “Even When” follows with a galloping spirit that’s sure to satiate any country-rock fan with its rural melodies.
In the middle, “I Don’t Like The Liquor” isn’t lacking melody as the pair deliver a timeless drinking themed album highlight, while “Road Worn” displays intricate and sublime guitar playing amid the sing-alongs you won’t soon forget.
Nearing the end, “When I’m Gone” emits a playful and wise rootsy energy with agile drumming and cozy guitar licks, and “Ode To The Animals” exits the listen with a bare recording, where the pair strip the setting back to minimal instrumentation and their gritty yet pretty singing makes for an impactful finish.
An excellent sophomore album, there’s bits of folk and blues to be found here, too, and it makes for a top notch effort in the area of roots rock, Americana and honky tonk.
Travels well with: The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories; Rain Perry- A White Album