High Tide For Low Times
Blowing Sand, 2021
9/10
Listen to High Tide For Low Times
Although this is the debut album from the Corpus Christi songwriter Doc Carter, it sure doesn’t seem like it as he covers multiple genres with an agile and sonically engaging delivery that thematically surrounds love, travel, self-realization and social observations.
“Heading West” gets things off to a playful start as warm harmonica, soothing guitar and crisp drumming complement the expressive storytelling, and “Taking It Easy” follows with intricate guitar lines and moody keys that welcome pop and rock ideas into the charming folk sounds.
Though there’s not a dud to be found across the 14 tracks, the middle ones are among the best, and include the melodic and breezy “Vica Cana”, as well as the upbeat and rhythmic “Open Your Mind”, which will get you heading right to the dance floor. “Wrapped Around You”, perhaps the best of the best, then benefits from well timed organ and meticulous guitar work that flows around the bluesy atmosphere.
“Sunshine” lands near the end, and places warm piano amid proficient drumming and gentle guitar unfolding in the cozy Americana landscape that points towards the ‘60s, and “Tomorrow” exits the listen with meticulous finger picking that’s musically engaging and lyrically touches on life following the pandemic, which might just be the most topical song of the year.
Carter is joined by Jeremy Long (keys, dobro, pedal steel), David Leach (percussion), and Matt Grundy (everything else), and together they illuminate the timeless originals that blend blues, country, folk, Americana and rock’n’roll into one of the best debuts in recent history.
Travels well with: Nathan Bell- Red, White And American Blues; Matt Eckstine- Lil’ Blue