Lace
Errant, 2024
9/10
On this first album in 11 years, the Texan Billy Eli pens personal songs in the aftermath of Covid, where the tunes carry a firm country rock presence.
The warm and rhythmic spirit of “Trying Not To Drown” starts the listen with playful drumming and well timed backing vocals that complement the smooth singing, and “You’re The Wine” follows with a breezy spirit of flowing Americana via the eloquent pipes.
Deeper still, the intimate and pretty “Here’s To You” is full of bright storytelling, while “All Day” recruits David Serby for the dance floor ready, rural rock flavor.
The last 2 tracks, “Getting Out Of Denver” and “Wine In The Desert”, don’t disappoint either. The former benefits from pedal steel and pretty vocal harmonies with a hint of ruggedness, and the latter carries plenty of classic country nods thanks to the emotive singing, melodic guitar and agile rhythm section.
A sincere effort with a hint of twang, Eli had thought he was done writing years ago, but the songs started to pour in. His years of observing people while on the road make for an insightful and beautiful peek into the human experience, and let’s hope this return from hiatus brings us more music.
Travels well with: Chris Robeson- Euphoriphobia; Ryan David Green- Off And Running