Moot Davis

Seven Cities Of Gold

Boot Knife, 2021

9/10

Listen to Seven Cities Of Gold

Undoubtedly one of the leaders of modern country music that includes his New Jersey roots as well as rockabilly ideas, Moot Davis pens a part fantasy, part reality record here, via a very diverse set of tunes that certainly sound right at home in his current Nashville setting.

“Hey Hey” starts the listen with energetic organ and thumping drums as Davis’ warm and expressive pipes guide the rugged yet smooth country rock, and “Lassoed And Lost” follows with an upbeat and melodic pace that will get you heading straight to the dance floor, where Blake Oswald’s agile drumming really makes an impression.

Landing in the middle, the strategic banjo from Gary Morse suits the poetic and sublime climate, while the title track gets a bit thicker, as firm electric guitar and some psychedelic nods steer the album into much louder areas. “California” then trims the pace back with glowing pedal steel from Morse, which adds much to the breezy rural rocker.

Arriving near the end, the lively, charged “Lone Radio Star” might be the best tune, where grit and melody meet with a timeless version of Americana, and “Anunnaki War Bride” exits the listen with an anthemic and dense rocker that will appeal to those with an ear for the more experimental side of rock.

Certainly country music but not in the traditional sense, Davis brings surprises to every track here, and Bill Corvino’s electric guitar, Jody Sappington’s bass and Skip Edwards’ keys, among others, make for a record you can’t listen to just one time. The atypical Willie Nelson cover itself is worth many, many visits, in fact.

Travels well with: I See Hawks In L.A.- On Our Way; The Flatlanders- Treasure Of Love