Honeysuckle Friend
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The Tennessee native Rachel McIntyre Smith knows her way around a twang friendly tune you won’t soon forget, and this 5 tracks recruit Dran Michael and Michael Knight for the sophomore EP.
“Grow Up Slow” starts with Smith’s cozy and expressive voice alongside warm banjo and fluid acoustic guitar for the pretty delivery, and “Parentheses” follows with strong attention to mood, where thoughtful wordplay surrounds the pretty and intimate musicianship.
“Memories In The Middle” lands in the middle and is an upbeat and playful Americana rocker that touches on bluegrass ideas, too, while “Stoke The Coals” makes great use of agile drumming and flowing banjo for the EPs best.
The final track, “Hold The Ladder”, benefits much from aching steel guitar and, of course, Smith’s strong range that fills the rural spirt via the soaring exit.
Smith’s songs might bring to mind names like Kacey Musgraves or Alison Krauss, and this quick listen is yet another example of her timeless country/Americana ways that really should make her a household name.
Travels well with: Kylie Fox- Sequoia; The Magnolia Janes- The Light Years