Another rocking chair, torch song nomad wandering with guitar; however, the addition of meek accordions, banjos and Australian bounces not only enhances the veranda folk, it has Jason ‘Whip’ Merritt speaking up for a procession with whimpering trepidation, his voice troubled by hiding the truth and unsure whether the problem is to care at all or because he cares too much.
‘16th Mission’ surprisingly lets go and breaks into cheerful song yet remains acerbic, and the calculatingly ambiguous ‘Ballad of Cobain’ has listeners just where Whip wants them. Alt-country not to be taken lightly.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Matt Oliver
