Hard Frost
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Brooklyn songstress Annie Keating returns with another batch of heartfelt songs, where Steve Williams, Richard Hammond, Todd Caldwell, Teddy Kumpel, Lynne Hanson and Kate Steinberg are all in attendance for 11 thoughtful tracks.
“Lies And Dynamite” opens the listen with warm vocals and Williams’ soft drumming helping make for an intimate landscape that recruits Hanson’s soulful backing vocals, and “Looking For Trouble” follows with Hammond’s cozy guitar amid Keating’s expressive pipes.
In the middle, “Falling” soars with much beauty, where the breezy melodies and slide guitar help make this the album’s best, while “Belly Of The Beast” flows with a stirring Americana that’s as meticulous as it is memorable.
“Feels Like Home” lands near the end, and is a poetic, cautious display of rich and cozy textures, and “So Lonely” exits with a bit of grit buried into the rhythmic nature.
Influences such as Lucinda Williams. John Prine, Bob Dylan, Allison Krauss and Willie Nelson won’t be hard to spot, as Keating blends folk, country and roots into a very memorable brand of Americana ideas.
Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November; Amy Speace- Tucson