III
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
A very poetic outfit hailing from southwest Virginia and spearheaded by Isaac Gibson, 49 Winchester play music that’s very much rooted in the mountains, and often tips it hat towards blues, folk and country sensibilities.
“Long Hard Life” starts the listen with plenty of alt-country swagger as rhythm and melody are not in short supply across the rugged, twangy opener, and “Everlasting Lover” follows with a quieter approach as warm acoustic guitar complements the soaring pipes and hazy pedal steel from Noah Patrick.
Things only get better from here, including the honky tonk nods of the playful “Why Else Would I Call You?”, while “It’s A Shame” resides in balladry with a raw, soulful delivery of working class blues. “Hays, Kansas”, a particularly exceptional tune, then recruits soothing backing vocals in the emotive and powerful delivery of lush mountain rock that benefits from Jake Quillin’s guitar and vocals.
Deeper cuts offer us the moving “You Never Did Love Me”, where sublime song craft flows with an Americana spirit, and the darker “Get Clean” exits the listen with folk traces amid the anthemic execution.
This is 49 Winchester’s 3rd album, hence the title, and if you’re like me you never heard first 2, but will certainly be seeking them out after spending time with this rich, eloquent and authentic Appalachian record that strikes a chord immediately.
Travels well with: David Dondero- The Filter Bubble Blues; Reckless Kelly- American Jackpot/American Girls