The Worst Kind Of New
Hollow Body, 2022
10/10
Listen to The Worst Kind Of New
The Lied To’s made me a fan with 2018’s Lesser Of Two Evils, and this 3rd album from the Boston husband and wife duo of Susan Levin and Doug Kwartler only further solidifies my interest in their rich brand of Americana.
“Midnight Kiss” opens the listen with Levine’s powerful pipes alongside warm keys in the dreamy climate, and “It’s Not Who You Love” follows with a swift, country spirit that recruits plenty of melody in a dusty sort of way.
Moving along, “Missing You” makes the most of gentle guitar amid the poetic, expressive singing, while “Brokedown Jamboree” offers a frisky delivery of dance floor friendly song craft. “Two Days”, the album’s best, then thumps louder and showcases some rugged qualities paired with timeless folk-rock.
Deeper still, “Long Way Home” is a pretty Americana ballad that’s got some gorgeous vocal harmonizing, and “It’s Only Love” exits the listen equally beautiful, sublime even, with musicianship that tugs on the heartstrings.
Both Kwartler and Levine lost parents recently, and this thoughtful listen certainly is tinted with that melancholy, but also hosts some rowdy rockers, too, as The Lied To’s continue to create some of today’s finest music.
Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency; Dana Cooper- I Can Face The Truth