Cave Flowers
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
A Los Angeles outfit who recorded this self-titled album live over just 2 days, Cave Flowers take inspiration from legends like John Prine, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson into their rugged Americana meets outlaw country rock formula.
“Best Lonesome Friend” starts the listen with breezy melodies amid the rootsy rock setting where light keys add much to the affair, and “Renter’s Life” follows with a calmer pace as rugged vocals flow alongside the organic musicianship.
Near the middle, “Hideaways” uses acoustic strumming fluidly as the music builds into a brisk pace of Americana beauty, while “Upperhand” recruits a ballad like execution of warm, soothing sounds around a raspy vocal delivery. “Trick Tears”, an album stand out, then finds a more traditional country approach to reside, where a restrained pulse emits timelessness.
At the end, “Great Hits” moves at a brisk pace with plenty of rugged rock nods, and “Little Worries” ends the listen more subdued as gritty, emotive and imaginary alt-country exits the strong album.
If legends like Son Volt, The Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo mean anything to you, or if the younger alt-country scene holds your attention, Cave Flowers are simply a band you must familiarize yourself with.
Travels well with: David Newbould- Sin & Redemption; Sam Weber- Everything Comes True