How To Fly
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A married duo from Nebraska, Mike and Diane, i.e. The Shockitanos, know their way around an Americana tune that isn’t afraid of injecting jazz, blues and rock across these 11 originals.
“The Sun Will Shine Again” starts the listen with a warm, intimate strummer where the pair harmonize with much beauty in a poetic delivery that recruits cautious bass and soaring electric guitar, and “Mr. Jones” follows with a folk quality amid the playful banjo and gospel nods.
Near to the middle, “Glass Butterfly” offers a bare and dreamy display of stirring song craft, while the subtle harmonica of “Clementine” helps cultivate a warm, rootsy feel. “Natural Disaster”, one of the album’s best, starts with the sounds of a storm, before both grit and melody meet in the Americana influenced climate.
Close to the end, “Not The Same Man” showcases a charming and timeless chemistry as the pair emit a heartfelt landscape, and “When I Walk” exits the listen with some rugged country nods alongside plenty of tuneful songwriting.
A very well crafted 3rd album, the couple are as diverse as they are memorable, and anyone with an interest towards folk, country and rock will find much to enjoy in How To Fly.
Travels well with: Josie Bello- Have Purpose Live Long; Julia Kasdorf- Motel