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Transoceanic, 2025
9/10
The Ohio honkey tonkers The Shootouts never disappoint, and this new batch of tunes continues that trend with guest spots from Sam Bush, Rodney Crowell and Vince Gill, among others.
“Trampoline” opens with Lindsay Lou’s warm pipes alongside Ryan Humbert’s flowing guitar via the heartfelt country rock ideas, and “The Other Side Of My Life” follows with a scrappy rocker that benefits from Kevin McManus’ dense bass and Jason Burger’s thumping drums.
Closer to the middle, Rodney Crowell’s wise voice enters the crisp “Half A World Away”, while “Just Another Sunday” features Mickey Raphael’s cozy harmonica amid Emily Bates’ pretty vocal harmonies in the dreamy album highlight.
Landing close to the end, Sam Bush’s intricate mandolin helps fuel the elegant and upbeat “Blue Eyes”, and “Dancing With The Distance” exits with strong attention to mood, where Raphael’s expressive singing adds much appeal to the lush, rootsy finish.
The Shootouts, i.e. Humbert, Brian Poston, and Bates, are making some of the most memorable modern Americana you’ll hear today, and this effort with many exceptional cameos might be their best yet.
Travels well with: The Shootouts- Bullseye; The Shootouts- Quick Draw