Cold-Hearted Truth
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
A Nashville duo who certainly sound like they reside in The Country Music Capital of the World, Swearingen & Kelli return with a 3rd album of their harmonic Americana, and this time it comes with an influence of ‘70s singer-songwriters.
“Don’t Judge This Broken Heart” gets the album off to a country fueled start with pretty vocal harmonies- a common occurrence throughout- and deeper tracks like the aching pedal steel of “Cold-Hearted Truth”, and honky tonk fun of “Hot Southern Nights” follow a similar, memorable path.
Further on, warm balladry invades “Take A Chance On Me”, while the playful spirit of “Cryin’ Shame makes this one of the album’s best. “West Virginia” ends the listen with a slow burning, emotive display of rural beauty, as the pair illustrate their strength on lush affairs, too.
A record that’s full of nostalgic sounds as well as modern melodies, Swearingen & Kelli once again prove that their inimitable chemistry puts them at the top of today’s folk, country, Americana, and roots scene.
Travels well with: The Civil Wars- Barton Hollow;Lady Antebellum- Own The Night