No Restraint
Cobalt Blue, 2023
8/10
The rising Americana artist Season Ammons returns with a 3rd album, where a very diverse vision embraces the emotional difficulties of the pandemic, including her own struggles.
“Don’t Break My Heart” begins the listen with JJ Johnson’s fluid drumming complementing the warm strings and Ammons’ expressive voice, and “Not That Far Away” follows with Glenn Fukunaga’s playful bass adding much to the emotive and soulful delivery.
“Different Drum” occupies the middle spot and showcases Ammons’ impressive range amid plenty of atmosphere, while “Worthwhile” isn’t lacking any melody or string interaction for the cultured intimacy.
Near the end, the dreamy and powerful “Tell Me How” is quite heartfelt in its sublime presence, and “Something You Never Had” exits with a scrappy and stylish demeanor that welcomes Dave Percefull’s skilled keys for the smooth finish.
Ammons plays several instruments here, including banjo and mandolin, and bares her soul in songs that surround heartache, addiction and self-actualization. It makes for an authentic and memorable affair, which further solidifies her as a talent worth repeated listens.
Travels well with: Geanies- Can’t See The Sun; The Claudettes- The Claudettes Go Out!