The American Dream
Windbone, 2024
9/10
The folk artist Amy Speace returns with more heartfelt songs, where balladry, grooves and plenty of rootsy flavor enters the 12 relatable tracks.
The cozy acoustic strumming of the title track starts with Speace’s warm voice and Danny Mitchell’s fluid keys, and “Homecoming Queen” follows with Neilson Hubbard’s thumping drums that suit the vivid storytelling of the fluid Americana that’s not short on melody.
Further along, “Glad I’m Gone” makes great use of Doug Lancio’s playful guitar amid Lex Price’s frisky bass, while “Something ‘Bout A Town” is a bluesy moment that’s packed with grooves and rich textures for the album’s best.
Landing near the end, “I Break Things” benefits from gripping strings thanks to David Davidson, David Angell, Kristin Wilkinson and Carole Rabinowitz and emits much beauty, and “Love Is Gonna Come Again” exits with bright balladry thanks to the mature keys and emotive guitar that complement Speace’s soaring pipes.
A universally enjoyable effort that can bring to mind Tom Petty or Buddy Miller, Speace’s songs embrace folk, country, Americana and orchestral ideas and are both memorable and timeless.
Travels well with: Carla Sciaky- Heart Of The Swan; Kate McDonnell- Trapeze