Hey Magnolia
Painted Sun, 2023
8/10
This 12th album from the vocalist and guitarist Forest Sun brings plenty of excellent players to his striking brand of Americana that doesn’t shy away from a handful of varied influences.
“Hey Magnolia” opens the listen with Sun’s warm voice amid Gawain Mathews’ intimate mandolin and Lara Louise’s flowing harmony vocals, and “Only Passing Time” follows with Kyle Caprista’s crisp drums complementing Sun’s vivid storytelling that touches on timeless folk ideas.
In the middle, “Lost In The Dark” uses gorgeous acoustic guitar and expressive singing for the album’s best, while “Underwater” makes great use of the lush textures via the soothing vocal harmonies and spirited guitar.
Approaching the end, “At The End Of Everything” brings some slow burning power to the reflective delivery, and “Sweet Dreams, Caroline” exits with well timed strings for the cultured and memorable exit.
A very well thought out and precisely delivered listen, Sun and company know their way around folk, roots, country, bluegrass and soul friendly tune that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World; Mark Erelli- Lay Your Darkness Down