Coyote
One Horse, 2022
8/10
Although he cut his teeth playing clubs in DC, these days Douglas Wayne calls Nashville home, and these rugged yet very tuneful songs showcase his very memorable version of Americana.
“A Buck Ten” starts the listen with Wayne’s warm vision of thoughtful rock embracing agile acoustic guitar and soothing vocal harmonies, and “High Wire” follows with banjo and fiddle making for an emotive and more country focused display of timeless skill.
The title track lands in the middle and brings organ and some firm grooves to a very versatile landscape, while “Bourbon & Water” is a bit frisky with some folky ideas present in the charming delivery.
Near to the end, the piano rock fun of “Ain’t Young Ain’t Pretty” will get you on the dance-floor, and “Primrose Mile” exits the listen full, lush and packed with a breezy, rootsy appeal that’s full of glowing melodies in a sing-along finish.
Sometimes reminiscent of the ‘70s, and other times taking nods to classic rock, Wayne knows his way around a song you won’t soon forget, and this is an excellent debut from an artist who has paid his dues and then some.
Travels well with: Wood Willow- Southern Intentions; Ash & Eric- Sure