Baptized By The Blaze
Mule Kick, 2024
9/10
Listen to Baptized By The Blaze
The singer-songwriter and guitarist India Ramey returns with a 5th studio album, where honkytonk and Spaghetti western influences enter the 11 tracks.
The bouncy spirit of “Ain’t My First Rodeo” opens with Tommy Hardin’s lively drums and James Mitchell’s flowing guitar that suits Ramey’s playful voice, and the title track follows with a calmer mood, as Scotty Sanders places strategic pedal steel amid the soaring vocals.
Halfway through, “She Ain’t Never Coming Home” makes great use of Alyson Prestwood’s meticulous bass alongside the powerful pipes, while “Down For The Count” comes with plenty of classic country nods via the expressive singing and punchy climate that will get you on the dance floor.
Residing near the end, “Never Going Back” is a rich and thoughtful album highlight that’s harmonic, and “Go On Git” exits with a slight jangle and no lack of melody that invites singing along.
It’s not hard to think of Loretta Lynn or Neko Case when enjoying these tracks, and it’s pretty safe to say that Ramey is a luminous voice in the area of modern country.
Travels well with: Geanies- Can’t See The Sun; Rosie Flores- Working Girl’s Guitar