Dig A Little Deeper
Self-Released, 2023
9/10
The folk-rock outfit Time Sawyer return with a 7th album, where they explore the pursuit of true connections and authenticity in modern society, and their lush, North Carolina bred alt-country sounds better than ever.
“Little Black Cat”, a song about superstition, opens the listen with Sam Tayloe’s dense guitar and deep voice guiding the rich, rootsy flavor, and “Shame” follows with Court Wynter’s strategic upright bass amid the gentle melodies and soothing vocal harmonies.
In the middle, the intimate “It’s What It Is” allows Jordan Nelson’s fluid drumming to illuminate the cautious yet anthemic climate, while “Goodbye Forever, I Guess” examines dating in today’s world, and enters ballad territory with strong attention to detail.
The last track, and perhaps the best, is the thicker, rural rocker “210 (It’s Over)”, where Damon Atkins’ spirited electric guitar and banjo player Houston Norris help cultivate a powerful, timeless formula of murder ballad and jazz nods.
There’s certainly no lack of bands playing this sort of indie-rock/Americana hybrid, and Time Sawyer are among the best, as evidenced by this well thought out and substantial body of work.
Travels well with: Aaron Burdett- Dream Rich, Dirt Poor; 49 Winchester- III