Play Nice
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
A Denver songstress with a healthy set of pipes who can play a mean slide guitar, Cass Clayton returns with a 2nd album where her rock template is full of influences that are delivered with grace, grit and a new level of forthrightness as Clayton purposely trimmed back her filter.
“Dawes County” gets the listen off to a soulful start with gentle instrumentation and strong vocals from Clayton, and “Little Things” follows with spirited nods to funk and R&B in the playful setting.
In the middle, “No Use In Crying” offers an anthemic take on her varied brand of Americana as keys and horns leave an impression, while “Tattered And Torn” brings us warm and genuine balladry with some rawness amid the beauty.
Near the end, “Flowers At My Feet” gets all sorts of funky with infectious guitar work, and “Slow Kiss” surprises us with a minute of vocal-less ambience. “Strange Conversations”, the lone cover, ends the listen gentle yet powerful, with Clayton’s fluid pipes guiding us through a soothing roots and blues exit.
An extremely detailed listen with a massive amount of skill present, Clayton continues to impress with her eclectic song craft and inimitable vocal work on this lovely sophomore album.
Travels well with: Susan Tedeschi- Wait For Me; Valerie June- The Order Of Time