Villain Era
Blue Elan/Copaco, 2026
9/10
The Nashville outlaw siren, India Ramey, doesn’t pull any punches with this album that ‘healed’ her, where grit, humor and cathartic ideas enter the 10 forthright tracks.
“We Ride At Dawn” opens with a Spaghetti Western spirit, where Bob ‘Boo’ Bernstein’s hazy pedal steel and Kevin Brown’s thumping drums complement Ramey’s expressive pipes, and “Welcome To My Villain Era” follows with plenty of honky tonk energy thanks to Eleanor Whitmore’s frisky fiddle and Ramey’s animated singing.
“Cryin’ In My Lingerie” and “Nobody’s Coming” land in the middle. The former enlists Chris Masterson’s skilled electric guitar amid the heartbreaking storytelling, while the latter benefits from Jordan Katz’s soulful trumpet that suits the galloping mood and darker demeanor.
Arriving close to the end, “Red Red Roses” comes with plenty of crisp melodies via Ted Russell Kamp’s bass and Ramey’s infectious singing, and “Ghost Town” exits with Eric Corne’s backing vocals adding much to the alt-country nods.
A body of work that is both cinematic and emotive, Ramey tips her hat to Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash with her distinct formula and unwavering conviction that further solidifies the Nashville resident as one of the most interesting artists in modern country.
Travels well with: India Ramey- Baptized By The Blaze; Caitlin Cannon- Love Addict