The clunky artist name and tacky album title are not particularly endearing so this is a record that is likely to be overlooked. This would be a big pity because there are some mighty fine Alt-Country songs to be discovered here.
The tunes by San Antonio-based singer-songwriter Jerid Reed Morris are infused with a longing for a better life but rooted in the realisation that old habits are hard to kick.
The album, recorded in Windcrest, Texas, is described as a solo project but this seems a bit harsh on the other four musicians and the seven guest artists listed in the credits.
This is very much a band sound even though Morris penned eight of the ten tracks. The other two songs are covers of Iron & Wine's 16 Maybe Less (featuring Jordan Bryant on vocals) and The Smashing Pumpkins' 33 (featuring banjo and a mariachi band).
The focus on booze and blues has plenty of references to drowning sorrows but this is not an overtly downbeat record. References in The Byrds’ ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’ on Ladies' Darts Night give a clear indication of where they are coming from. The spirit of Gram Parsons lives on.
The closing song Long Oval is about inheriting a cowboy hat and turns this modest transaction into a touching meditation on a problematic father-son relationship.
It is this avoidance of tired platitudes and predictable themes that makes this record an unexpected delight.
