Bridges And Kerosene
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to Bridges And Kerosene
The vocalist, guitarist and trumpet player Austin Mayse brings along an excellent cast of players for these songs about Mayse’s personal growth that revolves around very diverse forms of Americana.
“Leave Your Leavin’” opens the listen with Ron Flynt’s flowing organ and John Chipman’s bouncy drumming to complement the playful and melodic country-rock, and “Wretch Like Me” follows with a calmer pace of lush melodies amid the soothing backing vocals and warm guitar work.
Halfway through, Geoff Queen’s infectious steel guitar and Mayse’s expressive pipes help make “On My Way” the album’s best, while “Whiskey, I’m Gone” finds a more intimate place to reside, where Harmoni Kelley’s well timed bass and the strategic piano won’t go unnoticed.
Arriving near the end, “The Rose Of Thorndale” welcomes pretty backing vocals for the sublime and harmonic version of roots rock, and “Traveler’s Prayer” exits the listen dreamy, poetic and heartfelt in Mayse’s careful and sincere vision.
A very timeless affair that is varied enough to welcome mandolin, fiddle, cello and brass, Mayse’s songs carry an easy relatable demeanor and the roots, country, Americana and folk sensibilities make a lasting impression.
Travels well with: Brian Blake- Book Of Life; Wyatt Easterling- From Where I Stand