Zoe Muth’s self-titled and self-released debut album came out in 2009, and slowly and surely it deservedly picked up strong reviews and various awards including a top 50 spot in the ‘No Depression’ readers’ poll and Modern Acoustic magazine’s New Artist of the Year.
With that momentum behind her, the follow up album was bound to attract attention, and this new album sees a release on Signature Sounds, the perfect home for her vintage Americana sound alongside label-mates Eilen Jewell and The Sweetback Sisters.
The feel of this disc is a whole lot more relaxed than either of the afore-mentioned artists – she has an effortless vocal delivery that matches the approach of her fantastic band (their name plucked from Townes’ ‘No Lonesome Tune’). The mixture of electric, pedal steel, mandolin, bass, percussion and keyboard create a real variety of soundscapes that take the listener from the dusty country roads of the opening track ‘I’ve Been Gone’ through to the atmosphere and urban tale of the title track.
There are some really strong narratives amongst Muth’s songs, and this combined with a open and honest approach to the characters and situations give her a touch of the spirit of some of the great classic country artists without losing her own identity.
Even though all the obvious things for a great album are in place – a distinct voice, a sympathetic band and some well constructed songs, the album still manages to have something a little extra that makes it greater than the sum of its parts. There’s something here that makes it stand out above the very best in the genre, and this disc should really mark her out as a significant artist for the future.
Track listing
1 I've Been Gone
2 Whatever's Left
3 Let's Just Be Friends
4 Before the Night is Gone
5 Harvest Moon Blues
6 New Mexico
7 If I Can't Trust You With A Quarter
8 Tired Workers Song
9 Starlight Hotel
10 Come Inside
review 24 Feb 2011
