Singer/songwriter Joseph Childress’ eponymous second release follows-up his 2013 collection of home recorded demos, The Rebirths, with a collection of songs written while traveling throughout the West – working on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, riding trains and living out of his car. The album was recorded Portland, Oregon and produced by Mike Coykendall (M. Ward, Bright Eyes), who also contributed guitar, percussion, fiddle and bass, as well as a host of guest musicians including: Aaron Robinson (Sean Rowe), Tom Lucas (Crooked Jades), and Joey Ficken (Swords). The result is a gorgeous album that inhabits dusty rural roads, wide open pastures, smoldering campfires, and a traveler’s introspection. These themes come to life with music traditions and influences ranging from the Great Depression era music to the 60’s Folk Revival or to more contemporary Americana acts like Jason Molina or Will Oldham. Album highlights include: the shimmering “Whispering Tide”; the Neil Young-esque “My Land”; the rambler’s love song “Virginia Bound”; the slow burner, “Footsteps”; and the beautifully stark “I am the Dust.” For Childress’ first proper studio album, he really swung for the fences and hit it out of the park – seek this album out and give it a listen! – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Richard Buckner, The Cave Singers, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Jason Molina, Phosphorescent