Review by Noah Penza, Fresh Out of the Booth
Hall of Famer and legendary country recording artist Luanne Hunt has released her new EP, “Backroads, Bottles & Blues.” The project combines modern music with country and is executed so well.
Hunt often confesses her love for country music and the world that circulates it in her EP, such as the great American country backroads and the bottles found at the gigs she play at. But what’s most important is the blues, and the true meaning of country music.
To get an initial feel for the style, the opening track, “The Rhythm,” engages the audience with a composition that’s a country song with a modern twist and contemporary references.
Track No. 2, Truckstops & Honkytonks.” is a personal favorite of mine due to the strong clear and crisp vocals, right down to the flawlessly played acoustic guitar.
Following “Truckstops & Honkytonks” is the ballad, “Broken Branches.” The percussion in the opening welcomes you and prepares you to focus on Hunt's glorious vocals. This song is all around perfection as it taps into (the idea of) broken branches, a metaphor for a broken relationship, whether it be interpreted about a friend, work colleague or a lover.
“Lightning in a Bottle,” which features the great Steven Bankey, is next up and is a true, foot-tapper. The glorious keys with the mix of strings make this is a one-of-a-kind track.
“Old Tobacco Road” starts off with a simple whistle but grows into a greatly complex composition with the glorious vocals provided by Hunt, along with that heavenly-sounding acoustic guitar and simple drums. The track sounds like a memoir reminiscent of Hunt's childhood.
“Whiskey Wisdom” is a powerful track about the complications that come with alcohol. The opening harmonica acts as a motif throughout the composition and ties in nicely with the somewhat gloomy lines, such as "His best friend is Jack Daniels."
“Love Led Us Here,” the final track on this EP, ties in nicely with the themes discovered within the EP and is immensely soothing and relaxing to listen to.
“Backroads, Bottles & Blues” has been an amazing adventure and I feel as if I have grown up with Hunt after listening to the tracks. If you're a fan of country music, looking to get into country music, or just looking to try new things, I suggest her new EP.