'Rural Sun' sees San Franciscan folk / alt. country singer/songwriter Andy Mason more or less alternate between blues-orientated and country-influenced tracks. Citing Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as ppints of reference, his music does feel like that of simpler times. The blues-based numbers are unusually - and refreshingly - uptempo, and rather than following the trend for introverted, sparse songs, Mason manages to actually kick things up and create uplifting music with only an acoustic guitar. And when he does take it down, as on 'Words', he achieves a tangible sense of longing.
The country tracks are less to my personal taste, but do sit comfortably within the context of the CD. 'Sorry That I Love You' has slide guitar all over it and is rather stereotypically country, but is salvaged by Mason's lyrical skills and his capacity to find colour in the most mundane of things. 'Sue Me' exudes a cheeky charm, and encapsulates all that's enjoyable about Mason's music.
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With only seven tracks and a running time of twenty-four minutes, 'Rural Sun' is a short album, but rather than feeling short-changed, it's pleasing to see a release where the artist (and label) doesn't try to give (perceived) value for money by doubling the length with a stack of second-rate filler. The result is an album that's breezy, bright and doesn't outstay its welcome.
Andy Mason Online
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