White Lightning
Sower, 2019
8/10
The rising Nebraska outfit Sack Of Lions return with a 2nd LP of their country, blues, bluegrass and Americana formula, and it sounds more accomplished, memorable and moving than ever.
“Callin’ For Rain” gets the listen off a country fueled start with fiddles and melodic singing alongside a dusty setting, and “Street Jammer” follows with a rural shuffling and a quick pace that you can’t but help move your body to.
Further along, “Made Of Stone” recruits warm acoustic balladry that touches on folk influences, while “Run, Tell Ya Mama” moves with a thundering feel of rugged yet pretty country rock spirit.
The back half of the record shines, too, with the lush and playful “Die”, and the title track, which is one of the album’s best, moves with a haunting approach that’s immediately gripping. “Some Other Man” then offers a gritty yet soothing alt-country tune, and “Waiting Every Time” exits the affair with gorgeous Americana.
It’s no surprise that White Lightning has quickly moved up several charts- even to the top spot on the Heatseekers North West Central- as these guys really know their way around an authentic, spirited and unforgettable song.
Travels well with: Cody Jinks- Less Wise; Kane Brown- Experiment