The Longing
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
The Virginia singer-songwriter Jon Tyler Wiley approaches his brand of Americana with much exploration, and here he wrote, performed, produced and engineered every track of this highly engaging affair.
“Wolves” starts the listen with thumping drums and plenty of atmosphere as a loud version of Americana unfolds with a blues rock angle, and “St. Mary’s River” follows with plenty of grit and melody entering the subdued rootsy appeal.
Halfway through, the warm acoustic strumming of “WannaBe” builds quickly into a psychedelic landscape, while “Cake” brings soul and funk to the adventurous demeanor.
Close the end, “He Knew Me” lands in piano balladry, where Wiley discusses the power of music reflected in his own adoration for names like Hank Williams and Merle Haggard, and “Laredo Texas Oil Well Blues” finishes the listen with a waltz friendly, country rocker that’s quite sublime.
You’ll recognize influences like Springsteen and Petty all over these tunes, and Wiley’s blurring of genres and meticulous attention to detail just might make him your new favorite Americana artist.
Travels well with: Terry Klein- Tex; Matt North- Bullies In The Backyard