Loose Music (label)
12 January 2015 (released)
27 January 2015
Where the likes of folk’s young stars in the UK like Paolo Nutini and Ben Howard are making a name for themselves in the mainstream, across the pond comes American singer/songwriter Justin Townes Earle with his companion album to the highly acclaimed Single Mothers released September last year.
Absent Fathers picks up exactly where its sister record left off. Opener Farther From Me excellently sets the tone for the whole album, demonstrating Earles’ vocal range and the imagery he creates in his music, which is the ultimate sound of Summer and good times. The same can be said for the rest of the album, never leaving the mood of a serene and relaxed state, making it perfect for those looking to kick back on a Sunday with a chilled soundtrack with standout tracks Round the Bend and Slow Monday.
However, some tracks can seem derivative and drone for those with a minimal attention span. Day and Night and closer Looking For a Place to Hide unfortunately bring out the worst in the album, and do require a skip for those not simply looking for some fitting background music to a party.
While many might find American Country music to be of an acquired taste (and they’re not wrong) Justin Townes Earle introduces you to it at its most basic and accessible form.
Justin tours the UK from 3rd February.
