1. Book of Joe
2. Fire in the Sky
3. Adeline
4. The Greys Between
5. Navajo Norther
6. Field of Heather
7. Wheels
8. All the Way
9. Hummingbird
10. 1,000 Wild Horses
11. It’s Been a While
12. Everything and More
13. Fire in the Ocean
Shane Smith & The Saints is Shane Smith (acoustic guitar/lead vocals), Bennett Brown (fiddle), Dustin Schaefer (lead guitar), Chase Satterwhite (bass), and Zach Stover (drums).
This is a most unusual album. I do a test on albums where I am not familiar with the music or the artists. Usually, I know straight away whether I am going to like them or not. I had heard and read some good things so I persisted past the first song.
They are a bit different. I guess that their music is a mix between folk, Celtic, Americana and west coast country. It is even a bit grungy. Most of the tracks are awesome. I think it is fair to say that the first couple give it a slow start.
Then Boom!
This album has a rich tapestry and my half Irish blood is bubbling green. One of my favourite reviewers explains the album as ‘moody’ and often the ‘type of music that you take to a battlefield with a sword’. I can dig that vibe.
Unfortunately, I can’t hear this well today and it is an album that needs to be blasted on full power.
Shane’s voice is a mix of Waylon Jennings and the Chieftains and Pogues.
There is a haunting feel to this album, one which is the first in five years for the band from Austin, Texas.
Covid was one thing, having their bus catch fire and losing their gear didn’t help. So, things were put on hold.
Shane nearly gave up music all together. This album is quite diverse and unless you have broad taste like me, you won’t consider everything. I do suggest you listen to the album a few times before you make a solid judgement. It is an interesting album. There’s a lot to like and a few songs to fall in love with.
Cowgirlup 