The Stranger
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
Spearheaded by frontman Morgan Snow, this 2nd album from Triggers & Slips finds their rock’n’roll template taking on a variety of influences that are hard to categorize, but easy to enjoy.
The title track starts the listen with a fluid pace of spirited keys, warm guitars and country tinged vocals on the playful, honky tonk influenced opener, and “Natchez Trace” follows with rugged balladry that builds into bouts of harmonica and a darker setting of thoughtful, alluring song craft.
Further along, “Blue Smoke” finds a mysterious place to reside amid a bluesy atmosphere that was recorded studio live, while “I’m Not Your Baby” dips into calmer territory where soulfulness and grooves are present and mesmerizing.
Near the end, “Dig A Hole” recruits banjos for lush, rural beauty, and the lone cover, “Rooster” (Alice In Chains), places keys and acrobatic picking into the cautious exit that trades grunge for roots rock. An extremely well done record, folk, alt-country and even hints of prog-rock are also present, as Snow and company lay down a unique brand of outlaw country that very quickly propels them to ‘must hear’ status.
Travels well with: Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors- Good Light; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul