Hello
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Formerly aligned with The Rodeo, these days Brent Amaker is playing with Darci Carlson, Nozomi Momo, Bryan Crawford, and Izzie White, as the ensemble tweak the artistic country western performance art he’s made his name on.
The title track starts the listen with Amaker’s signature deep vocals as the music remains bare and country western influenced and just sounds like it would soundtrack a languid horse ride, and “Man In Charge” follows with whispered singing from Carlson in a mysterious setting of dark, almost cinematic sounds where reverb is in attendance.
Halfway through, the smooth strumming and galloping energy of “Burn” is an album highlight, while the raw “Rain” is a sparse cowboy anthem. “Let Me Out” then moves swiftly and with firm percussion from Momo as Amaker’s pipes show much range.
Near the end, “The Passenger”, an Iggy Pop cover, bounces with a punchy spirit as dual gender vocals contrast between low and sweet, and “Death Spiral” finishes off the listen with an ultra quick dusty rocker that just might be the most quintessential Amaker tune- playful, clever and timeless.
Amaker has always held an iconoclastic view of country music, and that tradition continues here as his new band find all sorts of creative ways to manipulate classic sensibilities with unconventional yet exciting twists.
Travels well with: Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis- Wild! Wild! Wild!; Brent Amaker And The Rodeo- Please Stand By