The Shape I’m In
Calusa/Missing Piece, 2025
8/10
The Montana troubadour Stering Drake makes an impression with this debut record, where love, heartbreak and purpose surround the 14 heartfelt songs.
The intimate storytelling of the title track opens with Drake’s expressive pipes and soft guitar, and “Calusa” follows with a hint of ruggedness and soulful harmonica amid the hazy climate.
In the middle, the crisp percussion and bluesy harmonica make “Troubadour’s Blues” a really charming moment, while “House Of The Rising Sun” is a scrappy, layered album highlight of flowing keys, thumping drums and warm pedal steel.
Residing near the end, Brennen Leigh’s emotive pipes are on hand for the cautious and vulnerable ambience of “Worthy Of The Name”, and “Reprise” exits with a soothing display of gentle singing, cozy winds and pretty guitar.
An artist who is well versed in country ideas, nods to legends like Willie Nelson and Townes Van Zandt won’t be hard to spot or enjoy, as Drake makes for an excellent starting point.
Travels well with: Zach Russell- Where The Flowers Meet The Dew; Brennen Leigh- Prairie Love Letter