Rating: 8/10
Too often, the “western” in “country and western” gets overlooked. We seek to keep the traditions of the South alive and well, desperately searching for artists who can carry the torch for country music into the future while still embracing the roots of the genre and the rich Southern culture that is so much a part of this music. But we forget that the West had as much influence on the genre as the South, and that California country music should be preserved and carried forward just like the more traditional styles. Enter Alice Wallace, who delivers a rootsy album that is as much California as Tyler Childers’ record is Kentucky, and makes a case for herself as a vocalist as well as for the importance of the West to country music.
Sonically, this record is quite varied; in fact, it seems to be a rather common criticism that this album is a little scattershot, and that Alice Wallace might not yet know who she is. It can be argued, however, that Wallace knows exactly who she is and brings that California spirit to life on this record. “When She cries” and “Echo canyon,” placed beside each other on the album, are about as sonically different as the city of Los Angeles and the rugged landscape not far from the city’s limits, but both of these represent California correctly. It’s Los Angeles, the city where the sun always shines and whose residents curse the sky but still race along the freeway at 80 miles per hour on the rare occasions when it rains, like in the soulful “When She cries.” But California is just as much the lonely deserts and forgotten canyons outside L.A., and it’s this aspect that’s brought to life by “Echo canyon,” the most country offering on the record. “Santa Ana Winds” goes for more of an Americana/rock feel, but this works perfectly with the sinister nature of the song, which addresses the wildfires so common to the region. And the Mexican influence is also a part of California’s heritage, represented here by the Latin-flavored “Desert Rose.”
It’s these distinctly Californian textures and references to things like I10 and mountain roads which tie this record together despite the sonic variety. Even “Elephants,” which sticks out the most sonically, fits in with the narrative of this album. at first glance, it’s a quiet, singer/songwriter moment that doesn’t really go with the rest of the record, but the song does a great job painting a picture of the fears and dangers women face on a daily basis. Considering that Hollywood has been at the center of all of this, it’s fair to say that this track certainly earns its place on a California album.
It’s also a testament to Alice Wallace’s vocal skill that she succeeds so well at all of these styles. She sounds just as natural belting “When She Cries” and the other soulful number, “The Same Old song,” as she does yodeling on “Echo Canyon.” It’s versatility which marks this album rather than indecision, and in the world of Americana, it’s always good to have a competent vocalist.
If there is one weakness here, it would be some of the songwriting on the back half of the record. The first seven songs are excellent, including the aforementioned “When She Cries,” “Echo Canyon,” and “desert Rose.” Another standout both melodically and lyrically is “The Blue,” also one of Wallace’s best vocal performances on the album. But for the last four tracks, the lyrical quality drops off a bit. “Motorcycle Ride” is the exception here, with its soaring melody and message of taking risks and opportunities when they come. There’s no filler on this album, but the front half is definitely stronger, and this is where you’ll find the songs that hook you on Alice Wallace as both a vocalist and a songwriter.
Overall, this is a strong album from Alice Wallace, as well as a cool showcase of the western influence and California spirit so important to country music. The sounds and styles are quite varied, but that just means there’s something here for everyone. It works because it’s all united by the California thread running through it, and it’s great to see the “western” in our beloved country music living on and marching proudly into the future.