Midwestern
Wroxton, 2019
9/10
A Canadian road warrior who embraces all the hallmarks of Classic Country sounds, Zachary Lucky is now a family man, and Midwestern surrounds those themes as the troubadour delivers heartfelt and genuine song craft.
“There Was A Time When I Used To Run” starts the listen with a timeless country delivery of warmth and rustic beauty, where Lucky does some talking, too, and “No Shame In Working Hard” follows with soothing pedal steel and brushed percussion on the authentic, rural feel.
Elsewhere, “Moments Of Time” moves with an emotive delivery of forthrightness and gentle strumming, while “Sunday Mornings At The Dragstrip” delivers vivid storytelling amid a rugged execution of Lucky’s organic formula.
Near the end, “Raining In December” keeps the setting bare with subtle power, and “Sometimes I Wonder (How I Got This Far)” ends the affair sophisticated and dreamy with precise instrumentation.
A record with a very spontaneous feel, Midwestern was recorded live off the floor and straight to tape, and Ontario’s finest help Lucky with dobro, pedal steel, fiddle and upright bass. Ultimately a listen about reflection and responsibility, it’s a mature and sincere outing, and one that warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: Kacy & Clayton- Carrying On; Terra Lightfoot- New Mistakes