Cheater’s Waltz
Waiting For Lester, 2021
9/10
A husband and wife duo, the Hannan’s create a concept album here, where the story revolves around a woman who’s been dealt a bad hand with love, but then meets a stranger in a bar. Things turns from good to bad and then even worse, and it actually ends in murder. Musically, it’s not quite as turbulent, as the couple take help from Howard Parker, Jim Robeson and Shannon Bielski on their unique brand of Americana.
“Nothing Left To Lose” starts the listen with Michelle’s smooth, pretty pipes guiding the melodic folk rocker that benefits much from Parker’s pedal steel, and “Before I Met You” follows with a frisky pace of rural shuffling that’s full of punchy drumming and warm twang as Jason’s agile pipes take center stage.
Moving on, the title track brings the listen into sublime balladry, as a duet unfolds with aching pedal steel and much emotion, while “If You Won’t Say It’s Over” enters classic country territory in its precise execution as Michelle’s stirring singing is nothing short of breath taking. “Everything I’ve Got’s In Tennessee”, one of the record’s best, then emits a breezy quality amid spirited guitar work and soothing fiddle thanks to Bielski.
Approaching the end, “The Sentence” is mesmerizing Americana that’s both intimate and playful, and “Feel Like My Time Ain’t Long” exits the listen a cappella with plenty of soul and strong vocal acrobatics.
An extremely accomplished outing, it’s nice to see a record meant to be digested as a whole, rather than a couple singles surrounded by filler. Whether your interests lean towards vintage folk, honky tonk fun, timeless country or even bluegrass, you’re going to find much to enjoy here, as the pair obviously put much thought into this captivating album.
Travels well with: Julia Kasdorf- Motel; Domenic Cicala- Come On Over