Toughen Up
From The North, 2023
8/10
This debut album from Leroy From The North, which is spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist and singer Eli Wulfmeier, blends Americana and country-rock with an often ‘70s appeal that’s never short on grit and grooves.
“Youngblood” begins the listen with dense, southern rock ideas, as Wulfmeier’s expressive pipes benefit from the thumping drums and soulful backing vocals, and “Homemade Crosses” follows with swirling guitar and a light buzzing, where retro ideas flirt with alt-country, too.
“Push” and “Top Ten” land in the middle, where the former is a more intimate moment of rugged yet tuneful ideas that builds into an emotive rocker, while the latter embraces classic rock nods that emit much detail from Adam Arcos’ fluid bass lines.
Approaching the end, “Pawn Shop” is full of vivid storytelling that accompanies the spirited Americana, and “Hard To Last” exits with a dreamy ambience of beauty and poeticism.
Wulfmeier and company tip their hat towards names like Brent Cobb, Sturgil Simpson, and Whiskey Meyers, and additional help from Matt Tecu and Jason Ganberg on drums and percussion sure does make for an excellent starting point.
Travels well with: Geanies- Can’t See The Sun; Eric Johanson- The Deep And The Dirty