Let It All Lay Bare
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The singer-songwriter Scott Clay pens a very well thought out 5th album, where themes of important relationships, historical events and intimacy are delivered with his very Americana/roots rock formula emitting much beauty.
The title track starts the listen with crisp and rugged yet tuneful country rock that benefits from Sean Lane’s precise drumming alongside Clay’s thick guitar and gritty vocals, and “Nothing Like The Real Thing” follows with plenty of grooves thanks to Daniel Walker’s strategic organ prowess.
Halfway through, “Simple Kind” offers a bare, poetic display of heartfelt folk-rock, while “Chief Joseph” is heavy on atmosphere, where a bit of an ominous quality adds another dimension to Clay’s craft.
“Utah” and “The Captive” exit the listen, as the former showcases Keith Lowe’s skilled bass playing in the lush album highlight, and the latter lands in sparse balladry, as Clay’s vulnerable vocals are met with gentle acoustic guitar.
Clay got his start making music as a teenager, but didn’t really buckle down about it until college, and released his first album in 2005. An artist who spends a lot of time touring, he’s clearly got a knack for storytelling, and his cautious and creative song craft certainly makes him a stand out in the area of modern indie-folk.
Travels well with: John Fullbright- The Liar; Caitlin Rose- Own Side Now