Dandelion
Black River, 2020
9/10
The sophomore album from the husband and wife duo of Ben and Emily Roberts, as Carolina Story the pair offer personal, autobiographical stories rooted in their own brand of Americana as radiant harmonies and authentic songwriting populate these 12 thoughtful tunes.
‘Light Of The Moon” starts the album with a warm duet as aching pedal steel and crisp drumming set a very emotive landscape of sublime sounds, and “Lay Me Down Easy” continues the organic formula with some folk ideas amid the bare but impactful atmosphere.
Closer to the middle, “Wildflower” brings piano into the pretty, country influenced album highlight where Ben hits some pretty high notes, while “Time Well Spent” is a vocally strong dip into orchestral territory with moody strings. The title track, another stand out tune, then recruits strategic harmonica in a gorgeous and tuneful Americana gem that’s breezy and immediately memorable.
Deeper cuts bring us the Emily led “I Wish It Would Rain”, which flirts with roots rock and “Carolina” exits the listen in balladry as the duo illustrate dynamic chemistry and top notch song craft.
An extremely raw but beautiful display of massive skill and adventurous genre mashing, Carolina Story brings the best parts of classic country, gritty alt-country and timeless folk music, as Dandelion is an exceptional listen that anyone with an ear for Americana will appreciate and revisit often.
Travels well with: Will Stewart- County Seat; Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters- Christmas On A Greyhound Bus