Justin Townes Earle - Absent Fathers

by Tony Gaughan

published: 22 / 2 / 2015

Label: Loose Music
Format: CD

intro

Downbeat but impressive album from Nashville-based singer-songwriter, Justin Townes Earle

In contrast to ‘Single Mothers’, Justin Townes Earle’s last release of barely five months ago, ‘Absent Fathers’ is way more sombre in nature. It was reportedly recorded at the same time, but has been released separately rather than as a double as expected. Earle, from the downbeat opener 'Farther from Me' onwards, mixes country with lots of pedal steel. On 'Least I Got the Blues' he sings of another break-up, adding wailing slide to beautiful effect. Despite their melancholic feel the songs are exceptionally well-written and delivered, as have been all the other six studio albums the Nashville-based artist has released to date. 'Day and Night' is way more upbeat and guitar led ,but it's not long before he's back to the blues, no more evidently than on the aptly-named 'When the One You Love Loses Faith'. 'Someone Will Pay' sees him on a revenge mission in another tale of woe, and the collection is magnificently ended with the beautifully plucked 'Looking for a Place to Land'. Don't be put off by the downbeat nature of this record. It is another masterclass from Earle, and a must own for fans of country, bluegrass or the blues.

Track Listing:-

1 Farther from Me
2 Why
3 Least I Got the Blues
4 Call Ya Momma
5 Day and Night
6 Round the Bend
7 When the One You Love Loses Fa
8 Slow Monday
9 Someone Will Pay
10 Looking for a Place To Land

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/justintownesearle
http://www.justintownesearle.com/
https://twitter.com/justintearle

Label Links:-

http://loosemusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/loosemusic
https://twitter.com/looseMusic
http://www.last.fm/user/Loose_Music
https://www.youtube.com/loosemusic
https://instagram.com/loose_music/

live reviews

Union Chapel, London, 6/2/2015

Dan Cressey finds Justin Townes Earle, despite his mournful form of alt-country, to be surprisingly charming in an accomplished performance at the Union Chapel in London