Gently Used
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
A driving force of the Boston Americana scene, the singer-songwriter Matt York brings along Tim Dinneen (drums), Joshua Hedley (fiddle), Taylor Hollingsworth (lead guitar), Spencer Cullum Jr. (pedal steel) and Dillon Warnek (piano) for a listen that seems like it might have come straight out of Nashville.
“If You Want Love” starts the listen with plenty of playful twang, where York’s smooth, yet gritty pipes are met with soulful backing vocals amid the warm honky tonk spirit, and “Up And Down” follows with a more cautious approach that’s a bit dreamy with a rugged, country-rock demeanor.
Further on, “Let’s Try Failure” utilizes skilled bass work alongside a darker formula that’s a bit folk-influenced, while “Strong Feelings” displays meticulous acoustic guitar and moody fiddle in the intimate album highlight.
Deeper yet, “I Know You Love Me” spotlights the sharp drumming and York’s falsetto in the raw love song, and “I’m Leaving” exits with piano balladry, where the glowing pedal steel complements the poetic, vulnerable finish.
York knows his way around a tune that you won’t soon forget, and the 11 here certainly will strike a chord with the roots, country, Americana and honky tonk crowd in ways that will make you grab your dancin’ boots, just as they may have you mulling things over.
Travels well with: Peter Donovan- This Better Be Good; Drunken Prayer- Cordelia Elsewhere