From Here To Home
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The Austin heroes The South Austin Moonlighters return with 10 new alt-country tracks that recruit Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) for the strong attention to detail.
“Nashville” starts the listen with Chris Beall’s raspy, welcoming voice that’s complemented by Daniel James’ flowing and precise drums and Lonnie Trevino Jr.’s well timed bass, and “Make A Livin” follows with Fred Mandujano’s proficient drums alongside the warm singing and spirited guitar from Beall.
At the halfway point, “Faded Into Gray” places Jacob Hildebrand on guitar and Anthony Farrell on keys for the intimate and poetic climate, while “Hearts In Parallel” makes great use of Hunter St. Marie’s guitar prowess for the thicker display of roots rock ideas.
Close to the end, the powerful yet cautious “It’s Only Money (That Makes The World Go Round)” is richly textured with soulful backing vocals and well timed slide guitar, and “Deltaman” exits with fluid country rock that’s dreamy and memorable.
A excellent body of work that has the capacity for grittiness and is still dance friendly and, on occasion, might cause you to mull things over, The South Austin Moonlighters continue to make joyous music.
Travels well with: Mike Tod- Mike Tod; Jaimee Harris- Boomerang Town