Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
Listen to Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers
The Nashville resident Chris Moyse has kept quite busy since his first EP in 2016, and here the troubadour offers an exceptional debut album where his sharp songwriting prowess unfolds with a timeless folk and Americana appeal.
Moyse starts the listen with the alluring folk quality of the expressive “Time’s Gonna Tell”, where a warm acoustic guitar and sweet female vocals accompany him, and “Live Till We Die” follows with soft nostalgia as Americana influences are present.
Near the middle, “Drinking Song” is nothing short of pure folk beauty in its minimalist delivery, while “Dancing Round A Fire” is a busier display of lush song craft that’s full of cautious melody. Though there’s not a track present that isn’t top notch, “Hurricane Blues” is especially noteworthy with its vivid storytelling and intimate execution.
Near the end, “I’m Not Your Man” brings a darker quality to Moyse’s thoughtful formula, and “Maria”, the last formal song, recruits some mild country spirit in the elegant exit that takes nods to Leonard Cohen.
Moyse has a knack for writing memorable tunes that don’t take long to ingrain themselves into your mind, and his subtle blues and rootsy moments certainly add to the intrigue as he creates a stand out record in the singer-songwriter genre.
Travels well with: Randy Lewis Brown- Red Crow; Grant Peeples- Bad Wife