The Agonist
Self-Released, 2025
10/10
The Nashville artist Leslie Jordan assembles songs inspired by and adapted from the lost writings and poetry of her grandfather, Robert S. (Bobby) Gott, which unfolds with eloquence and timeless folk ideas.
The title track starts with Jordan’s captivating voice amid Harrison Whitford’s warm resonator guitar that’s just so striking, and “The Fight” follows with a calm presence that welcomes Joachim Cooder’s crisp drumming in a poetic mood.
In the middle, “Truth Or Consequence” exhibits lovely intimacy that’s touching in a gentle climate that showcases Joey Ryan’s backing vocals, while “Madonna Of Sierra Madre” makes great use of sophisticated keys and Daniel Rhine’s intricate bass playing which complements the gorgeous singing.
Moving towards the end, “Elegy” enlists strings from Eleonore Denig, Laura Epling and Patrick Monnius alongside the emotive vocals and sweeping atmosphere, and “Suzy Rain” tugs on the heartstrings with its cozy acoustic guitar and rich instrumentation.
A truly captivating body of work, Jordan discusses addiction, loss and loneliness to acceptance across a truly powerful and profoundly inspiring record that is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Travels well with: Connie Kaldor- Wide Open Spaces; Suzie Brown- Songs Worth Saving