Riley Downing – known as one of the lead vocalists and songwriters of the New Orleans-based Americana act the Deslondes – has released his widely anticipated solo debut, Start It Over. The album was co-produced by Deslondes producer Andrijia Tokic (A.J. Croce, Sam Doores) and multi-instrumentalist John James Tourville (fellow Deslondes member), who also co-wrote many of the LP’s songs. Start It Over is hard to place in any one genre as it explores many of the aspects of Americana, soul, country, rock, and blues. The element that binds all the songs on this genre-bending album is Downing’s distinctive baritone vocals. Standout tracks include: the opening country-soul jam “I’m Not Ready”; the laidback ramble “Good to See Ya”; the breezy title-track; the bittersweet waltz “Looking Forward”; the psych-folk lament “Crazy”; the slow-moving waltz “Doing It Wrong”; and the soulful New Orleans-tinged shuffle “Deep Breath.” Riley Downing’s Start It Over is a warm and very satisfying collection and gets better with every listen. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | The Deslondes, Sam Doores, Justin Townes Earle, John Fullbright, Aaron Lee Tasjan