Like many folk singer/songwriters before her, Christene has lived the life of an independent travelling artist, and for the last 8 years or so has played shows all across her native United States and more recently in Europe. Now settled and living in Innsbruck, Austria, Christene’s second album is obviously influenced by her years on the road, and the songs are held together by a loose theme of the experiences and personal impacts of travelling far and wide.
Although recently settled in Europe, ‘Dust & Branches’ is an album with a distinct Americana stamp, from the fantastic cover painting by Tom Russell through to the production from Mark Hallman (Gretchen Peters, Eliza Gilkyson) and the choice of instrumentation used throughout, this disc has it’s roots in Austin.
A prolific touring artist, it’s obvious these songs have been fine-tuned and honed in front of many audiences; the eleven songs are well constructed, melody led pieces that flow and sit together perfectly, and from the simple acoustic arrangement of ‘Tumbleweed’ through to the fuller band track ‘Whiskey Night’, the collection feels rounded and well considered.
Christene is a strong lyricist, and from the reflective ‘For My Roses’ through to the direct and clear message of ‘Dear Mr President’ (which also sees Eliza Gilkyson helping out), she paints vivid pictures in her songs, throughout the disc she’s both thoughtful and direct and often gives the listener much to consider.
An independent storyteller in the true sense of the word, her songs are glimpses into the sights, sounds and stories of her own experiences and the lives of the people populating her tales.
The experience of an established producer has given a new edge to the songs and the quality of the instrumentation and production means that this disc deserves to find a wide audience across both Europe and the US.
Track listing
1 For My Roses
2 Tumbleweed
3 Wanderin'
4 Love to the Grave
5 Lonely Stranger
6 Angel You've Come too Soon
7 Honey'd Out
8 Whiskey Night
9 Dear Mr President
10 Open Wound
11 Just When You Think
