Water This Dark
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
A 9 song listen that’s full of soul searching and rich songwriting, John Stipe’s timeless Americana approach is front and center here, as many friends accompany him.
The warm spirit of “What Do I Owe?” starts the listen with Bryan Daste’s aching pedal steel that complements the emotive singing, and “Water This Dark” follows with firm acoustic guitar and Erin Flood Fortier’s soulful backing vocals that suit the vivid wordplay.
Halfway through, “Counting Song” benefits much from a stirring intimacy of poetic singing and subtle keys from Mike Walker, while “Starting Over And Over Again” is full of fluid melody via Sam Howard’s agile bass and Nate Barne’s cautious drumming.
“Lessons (Do They?)” and “By Now” exit the listen, where the former is a minimal moment beauty and grace, and the latter allows Lilli Worona’s absorbing violin to add much appeal to the striking finish.
A very thoughtful body of work, Shipe’s wordplay is particularly moving, and the roots, country and folk sensibilities are much appreciated.
Travels well with: Domenic Cicala- Bitter Blues; Heather Little- Bye Now