You’ll Live
Bluélan, 2026
9/10
The always impressive singer-songwriter Cory Branan is back with a 7th album, where his own brand of Americana blends punk, folk, southern and heartland rock into 10 songs that are assembled from the last two decades.
The energetic “Teeny Says” opens with a scrappy spirit, where Adam Abrashoff’s fluid drumming suits Branan’s unmistakable pipes, and “The Price And Cost” follows with Kai Welch’s dense synth that helps the country and pop meshing that’s quite unique.
“Cold-Blooded Love” arrives in the middle and is an intimate moment via Matt Rowland’s warm keys and Branan’s heartfelt singing, while “Me And Your Mom And Them” bops and shakes with retro-fun that will get you on the dance floor thanks to the upbeat mood.
“What Gave Me Away” and “The Wreck Of The Sultana” exit the listen. The former showcases Branan’s animated version of folk-rock which is immediately memorable and invites singing-along, and the latter is just Branan’s inimitable storytelling and acoustic guitar that makes an indelible impression.
A ‘country boy with a punk rock heart’, Branan’s work never disappoints, and this installment continues his gritty, emotional and raw vision with another batch of songs that demand repeated listens.
Travels well with: Cory Branan- Adios; Sam Morrow- Southern Boogie