“We Could’ve Been Friends” (hauntingly similar to the Dandy Warhol’s “We Used to Be Friends”) begins the new release, Bastion, from Kentucky’s Wayne Graham, an album that I’ve listened to no less than 15 times the last couple of weeks. The Dandy influence doesn’t end there, but on the remainder of the album it’s sprinkled with hints of Wilco, Aaron Raitiere, and, most strongly, The Felice Brothers. Just enough rock and country with textures that get a little weird. And there’s even a hint of jazz with “The Patsy” which sounds like the band has been listening to Duke Ellington’s Money Jungle, and while an unusual track to place second on the album, it does grab your attention and make you wonder what’s next.
Besides the opening track and the excellent hook of “The Patsy”, standouts include “A Silent Prayer” that features the chorus:
“Shooting bottle rockets
At red lights
Shooting bottle rockets
To let off steam
With no idea
How grateful to be”
“I Had Plans” is a nice Tweedy-esque romp and “Swingin’ Round” starts nice and quiet with a pleasing build. There’s honestly not a track on here that doesn’t have something interesting going on and I’m here for it. I suppose I’m a little late to the Wayne Graham party, (this is their 9th release) but I’m here, and excited to go back and listen to their back catalogue.
RIYL: Taxidermy, Bright Pink Sunsets, Swoosh sounds
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.