See You In Marfa
Happiness, 2022
8/10
The singer-songwriter and guitarist Salim Nourallah collaborates with the British producer, singer-songwriter and guitar player Marty Wilson-Piper, who you might recognize as a member of The Church for over 30 years, for this quick but impactful listen.
The title track opens the listen with Joe Reyes’ spirited electric guitar alongside John Dufilha’s punchy drums and Nourallah’s smooth, poetic singing in the romantic climate, and “Not Back To Sad” follows with Richard Martin’s well timed organ and Paul Averitt’s soaring backing vocals making for a dreamy yet rugged formula.
Halfway through, the thumping “Hold On To The Night” showcases Jason Garner’s proficient bass and Wilson- Piper’s electric guitar prowess in the folk-pop landscape, while “Love’s A Promise” is fueled by Nourallah’s warm acoustic guitar in the intimate and memorable EP highlight.
“Hate The Waiting” exits the listen, and brings Martin’s electric piano and organ as well as Garner’s keys and pizza box(?) to a calm and eloquent finish.
These songs were culled from Nashville sessions with Nourallah’s longtime band, and with Piper’s exceptional help it makes for a power-pop and timeless roots affair that just might remind you of Tom Petty or Jeff Tweedy.
Travels well with: M. Lockwood Porter- Communion In The Ashes; John Calvin Abney- Familiar Ground