Full Review

Nels Andrews – Off Track Betting

Nels’ previous album ‘Sunday Shoes’ is a real understated, low-key gem full of strong songs; but it’s on this follow-up album that he really delivers the goods – the songs are still full of character and atmosphere, but the arrangements are a real step-up in every respect, mix this with the superb lyrics and his relaxed delivery and you have something very special indeed.
There’s a shift in the focus from the open spaces of the mid-west to a more urban setting, there’s still an Americana/folk feel to the disc, but there’s definitely a little more edge to the sound. Much of this is down to a wider range of backing instrumentation that takes the usual range of guitars and adds some interesting elements including Klezmer banjo, harp and some memorable keyboards in piano, pump organ and mellotron - it’s a progressive and exciting approach that succeeds on every level.
The atmosphere is maintained and added to by Nels’ elegantly world-weary vocals, and the contrast of the harmony vocals from Ana Egge and AJ Roach adds a huge amount the whole album.

Running at just under 40 minutes, ‘Off Track Betting’ is pretty much the perfect length – there’s no filler here, and every minute of the disc is full of atmosphere, meaningful lyrics and appropriate arrangements.

It’s a disc that works well as sequence of songs, but the individual highlights include ‘Temple Incense’ a track that references both the desert and the city, ‘Rented White Sedan’ has a fantastic atmosphere, and the albums’ highlight ‘The Dollar and the Dream’ is a beautiful, delicate piece with stunning vocals from Andrews and Ann Egge.

‘Off Track Betting’ is an exceptional album; full of atmosphere and style, and it will inevitably end up on many ‘best of’ lists in 11 months time. Those with any interest in singer/songwriters will find much to reward them here. An essential album from an artist right at the top of his craft.