Growing Pains
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The Southeast Texas singer-songwriter Courtney Hale-Revia brings us a collection of highly personal stories, where acoustic based songs are highlighted by Ryan Len Johnson, Brian Baker and Cody Eldridge.
“One Way Out” starts the listen with warm strumming and Hale-Revia’s pretty singing adding even more beauty to the light drumming and playful finger picking, and the title track follows with some bluesy guitar moments amid the introspective and poetic nature of the timeless folk song.
“Cutting Lines” arrives in the middle and brings intricate fiddle and punchy drumming as a scrappy version of Americana unfolds, while “Who Are You” finds an intimate place to reside with its eloquent delivery of expressive singing and very graceful musicianship.
Advancing towards the end, “Rainbows At Night” brings a very soothing energy to the bright melodies and roots rock fun, and “The Sheep Who Sleep With Coyotes” exits the listen with Hale-Revia’s unique meshing of folk, rock, Americana and country into the album highlight.
Also a mother, teacher, wife and music promoter, this 3rd album from Hale-Revia is one that carries heavy themes like suicide and the loss of her father to Covid, but there’s also much optimism and fun to be found across these very well crafted songs that strike a chord immediately.
Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency; Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom