I’m Sorry, I’m Fine
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
An esteemed sideman since he was a teenager, Austin Gilliam brings his muscular guitar work to country and rock focused songs that highlight his rugged baritone pipes, as he takes center stage on this solo effort.
“A Little Dirt” opens the listen with plenty or rugged warmth, where the breezy honky tonk is harmonic and memorable, and “I’m Sorry” follows with an intimate, dreamy approach that’s powerful and emotive and benefits from the hazy pedal steel and Gilliam’s expressive voice.
The middle track belongs to the melodic Americana of “Runnin’” that comes with a heartfelt energy, while “I’m Fine” showcases Gilliam’s agile guitar playing amid the thumping drums and soaring singing. “Never Gonna Die” exits the listen, and it’s a loud, European influenced version of rock that’s anthemic, rugged and invites an immediate sing-along.
A record that might bring to mind Slaid Cleaves or Jason Isbell, Gilliam’s big guitar presence has already gained him plenty of fans in his home state of Texas, and it’s pretty likely he’ll turn more ears his way with this thoughtful and gentle versus firm country-rock.
Travels well with: Matt Hillyear- Glorieta; The Stubborn Lovers- Come A Reckoning