Jangling Sparrows

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Bootstraps And Other American Fables

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Bootstraps And Other American Fables

An outfit spearheaded by the singer-songwriter and guitarist Paul Edelman, together with Louis Stein and Joe Grey the trio pen an album with strong storytelling that flows with a gritty alt-country appeal that doesn’t shy away from the blues, either.

“Estuaries” starts the listen with a bristling display of southern influenced rock where melody and ruggedness are present in spades, and “All That I Was Never Afraid” continues the energy with a powerful delivery of strong vocals amid soaring guitar work.

Further along, “Highway Jawn” recruits some country spirit with a swift execution of intricate musicianship, while “Violynne” parallels an intensity usually reserved for arena rock as Jangling Sparrows balance rowdy roots rock and anthemic hard rock. “True, Fine Now”, one of the best of the best, then invites some garage rock tendencies into the highly melodic affair.

At the end, “Label’s All Mine” is a swampy effort where a darker spirit enters the well thought out setting, and “Bootstraps” exits the listen with some of the best vocal work amid the acoustic guitar fueled country rock that’s as timeless as it is memorable.

A listen that’s packed with incredible guitar playing, there’s certainly no shortage of rhythm, grooves and strong lyrical work to be found here. If legends like John Prine and Townes Van Zandt mean anything to you and folk, country and roots rock are in your interest, Jangling Sparrows should occupy much of your listening time.

Travels well with: The Bottle Rockets- Bit Logic; Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia