New Album Review: Turnpike Troubadours- A Cat in the Rain

Turnpike Troubadours- A Cat in the Rain

Label: Thirty Tigers

Producer: Shooter Jennings

A Cat In the Rain marks the long-awaited return from the cult-favorite Red Dirt band that bowed out at the peak of their rabid indie-popularity in 2019, leaving a sea of die-hards foaming at the mouth for new music ever since. It takes but one cursory listen to Evan Felker’s full-bodied twang, and the rich fiddle and banjo that accompany it on the haunting opening cut, “Mean Old Sun”, to be convinced that the Turnpike Troubadours remain at the top of their impressive game. The warmly resonant follow-up track, “Brought Me” may be a declaration of romantic commitment at the core, however evocative lines such as “Wager that it won’t appear that I’ve forgot who brought me” feels just as much as a line of gratitude to the following that’s stood behind the band during their hiatus. Numerous highlights abound throughout this crisp collection, all of them bolstered by Shooter Jennings’ clean, pure country production that provides the best showcase for Felker’s sturdy and chilling vocals, the songs’ infectious melodies, and the band’s crackling musicianship. “Chipping Mill” offers classic and hilariously jaded honky tonk lyrics that both break a heart and bust a gut. “Lucille” is a beautifully dark cheater’s tale that is stirring and stinging in its revelatory nature. And then there’s “The Rut”, a nakedly confessional piece about leaving one’s addictions and demons in the past, offering one of Felker’s most personal vocals to date. Meanwhile, shuffles both bluesy (“Black Sky”) and breezy (“East Side Love Song (Bottoms Up)”) keep the mood of the record tempered and well-balanced, before bringing the proceedings to a close with “Won’t You Give Me One More Chance”, a beautifully charming plea for one last romantic reconciliation. It all adds up to one impressively solid record from what is arguably the very best country band working today. And while the mainstream remains painfully and typically oblivious, scores of loyal music lovers rejoice in their glorious return.

Track Listing:

1. “Mean Old Sun” (Evan Felker)
2. “Brought Me” (Felker)
3. “Lucille” (Felker)
4. “Chipping Mill” (Felker)
5. “The Rut” (Felker)
6. “A Cat in the Rain” (Felker)
7. “Black Sky” (Felker)
8. “East Side Love Song (Bottoms Up)” (Felker)
9. “Three More Days” (Felker)
10. “Won’t You Give Me One More Chance” (Felker)