Knows Nothing
Fluff & Gravy, 2023
8/10
The Portland, Oregon artist Kassi Valazza meshes her distinct brand of Americana meets folk meets country across these 10 very lyrically colorful tracks.
“Room In The City” gets the listen off to a classic country spirited climate, where Valazza’s warm voice is met with glowing pedal steel, and “Rapture” follows with mesmerizing guitar and a very poetic delivery of bare beauty.
“Song For A Season” occupies the middle spot, and welcomes Tyler Thompson’s brushed drumming in the dreamy demeanor, while “Canyon Lines” is strong on atmosphere and carries a hint of psychedelia amid the unique intimacy.
Closer to the end, “Welcome Song” emits a bit of mysteriousness alongside the rich textures, and “Wildageeses” exits with a hint of tension in the Michael Hurley cover that’s interpreted with a charming exploration.
Valazza has been crisscrossing the country with similar minds like Melissa Carper and Riddy Arman, and there’s no doubt she’s making fans everywhere she goes. This extremely thoughtful record will likely yield the same results.
Travels well with: Jim White- Misfit’s Jubilee; David Dondero- The Filter Bubble Blues