The Rainbow Wheel Of Death
Wharf Cat, 2023
9/10
Listen to The Rainbow Wheel Of Death
A Brooklyn indie artist who is well versed in country sounds, this 3rd album from Dougie Poole has the crooner alongside drum machines, synth and acoustic guitar for the 9 heartfelt tunes.
The cosmic country nods of the title track opens the listen with a bit of a dance floor ready jangle, and “High School Gym” follows with a melodic haze of thumping drums and Poole’s distinct, soft singing.
Further on, the folk prettiness of “Nothing On This Earth Can Make Me Smile” is as eloquent as it is heartbreaking, while the honky tonk sensibilities of the crisp “Worried Man Blues” is the album’s best track.
Poole makes great use of pedal steel on the aching “Lived My Whole Life Last Night”, and “I Hope My Baby Comes Home Soon” uses harmonica strategically for the melancholic and sharply intimate exit.
Poole puts a unique spin on classic country ideas here, and his lo-fi, pop and gritty moments certainly keep us hanging on every sincere and poetic moment.
Travels well with: Horoscope- Carne.; Bambara- Love On My Mind