Drink More
Floating, 2021
8/10
The 3rd album from this highly experimental and atypical outfit, The County Well are back with founder Don Zimmer and company penning a musical adventure that never sits in one place for very long.
“Gifted Spirit” opens the listen with Graham Guest’s vocals guiding the playful jazz and light buzzing of the charming climate, and “Hope I Fall” follows with Michaela French’s pipes adding a soulful quality to the smooth and bluesy landscape.
Halfway through, “Volume And Speed” flows with much grace and warmth from the intricate strings and light drumming, while “Big Country Love” welcomes Michael Batdorf’s deep vocals to the funky delivery. “Drinkin’ And Smokin’”, one of the album’s best, then showcases the depth of French’s stunning pipes amid the sophisticated keys and the expressive brass.
Near to the end, “Wamwig” recruits Paul Gregory for the groove filled and unpredictable album highlight, and “Drink More” exits the listen with firm country ideas alongside the vocal harmonies and rural melodies.
With the many vocalists on hand and instruments varying from violin to horns, each of the 12 songs here is a surprise that you’ll want to revisit often.
Travels well with: Jangling Sparrow- Telecoaster; Thy Dirty Deuce- Bruised