The War & Treaty- Lover’s Game
Label: UMG
Producer: Dave Cobb
For half a decade now, The War and Treaty have reigned as a critical favorite in the Americana music scene, the kind of act gifted with such pure, raw musical talent that their loyal followers are constantly campaigning for the type of widespread attention that their music warrants. Naturally, they’re also the kind of act you feel will be mishandled under the guise of the mainstream machine once they land on their radar and under their clutches. Thankfully, the third proper album, and first major label release, from the Trotter couple quickly assures us that their special blend of country, soul, rock, and blues remains securely in tact despite their new connection with the Nashville recording system. Sure, there’s a slightly increased layer of Music City shine sneaking into the proceedings, but under the production leadership of the inimitable Dave Cobb and with the couple’s passionate artistic inclinations in full force, Lover’s Game is a wholly authentic, moving, and a natural continuation of the duo’s impressive discography. The vocal performances throughout comprise what will likely be the finest pure singing we’ll hear on a new release all year. Both Michael and Tanya are vocal powerhouses all on their own, and they sound absolutely destined to sing together, with the combination of their musical chemistry and palpable personal love for each other melding into what is a truly special sound and experience. And their affinity for the vast spectrum of American roots music is once again on full display across Lover’s Game. The title track which opens the set is an explosive cannonball of swampy rock & roll that instantly recalls peak Ike & Tina Turner, and sets a dynamic mark that they continue to meet throughout the entire record. They sing to the heavens with soaring gospel-tinged showstoppers like “Up Yonder” and “Have You A Heart”, and face demonic hellfire head-on with the gloriously ominous “Ain’t No Harmin’ Me”. And while R&B and soul power-tunes like “That’s How Love Is Made” and “Dumb Luck” definitely find them in their ultimate wheelhouse, they are just as naturally at home churning out a 60s-styled country weeper like the exquisitely aching “Yesterday’s Burn”. If there is any justice in the popular music cosmos, this will be one of those rare and rewarding occasions where the an act’s commercial profile catches up to the heights of their artistry, rather than the former having to make any sacrifices in exchange for the latter. Regardless, the War & Treaty are without question one of the most exciting musical forces on the scene today, and their work continues to prove itself as essential listening.
Track Listing:
- “Lover’s Game” (Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter, Dave Cobb)
- “Blanke Page” (Trotter, Trotter)
- “Ain’t No Harmin’ Me” (Trotter, Trotter)
- “Yesterday’s Burn” (Trotter, Trotter)
- “That’s How Love Is Made” (Trotter, Trotter, Dave Barnes)
- “The Best That I Have” (Trotter, Trotter)
- “Dumb Luck (Beau Bedford)
- “Angel” (Trotter, Trotter)
- “Up Yonder” (Trotter, Trotter)
- “Have You A Heart” (Trotter, Trotter)
The 706 
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