The Devil In Me
Medicine For Mary, 2024
9/10
The Dallas resident Evan Boyer makes an impression with this debut album, where his humble Americana welcomes country, folk and rawness.
“Mockingbird & Monticello” starts the listen with much intimacy, as stirring acoustic guitar and a light ambience is met with expressive singing that builds into a thicker presence, and “Home To You” follows with soaring fiddle acrobatics and thumping drums that are tailor made for the dance floor.
“Burn The Ships” lands in the middle and welcomes Della Rose’s pretty pipes to the rich and powerful anthem, while the title track carries some bluegrass spirit and a hint of mystery embedded in the meticulous songwriting and distinct atmosphere.
The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either. “The Fear” carries a darker tone amid graceful strings, and “Sweet Mary” exits with a poetic demeanor of gorgeous harmonies, heartfelt singing and textured beauty.
Parallels to Jason Isbell or Tom Petty won’t be hard to spot here, as Boyer fleshes out an excellent first record that should easily make him a noteworthy name in the area of modern Americana.
Travels well with: Surrender Hill- River Of Tears; Lynne Hanson- Just A Poet