Another One Gained
Self-Released, 2022
10/10
Formerly of Katy Guillen & The Girls, after a busy 6 years with that outfit, Guillen paired up with the drummer Stephanie Williams for this new direction and approach that offers 10 tracks that thematically surrounds growth, transition, self-doubt and rebirth.
The title track starts the listen with plenty of warmth, as Guillen’s expressive and smooth singing is complemented by rhythmic drumming and agile guitar, and “Discoloration” follows a bit quicker, where a more scrappy version of indie-rock unfolds with some grit.
“Set In Stone” occupies the middle spot, and is tad more firm with loud drums and some well timed guitar crunch, while “Avoiding Every Sound” comes with a hint of the blues buried in the fuzzy rock that’s quite alluring.
The final two tracks are equally, great, too. “Nothing Comes Close” is bare but impactful in its poetic nature, and “Different” touches on Americana with both beauty and a heartfelt demeanor that is present across the entire affair.
An excellent debut album, the duo use 12 string acoustic guitars, soulful Wurlitzers, lively timpanis and others for a meticulously textured and universally embraceable listen.
Travels well with: Tiffany Williams- All Those Days Of Drinking Dust; Jim Lauderdale- Hope