I looked up the word “cinematic” and, not surprisingly, all the definitions center around visual elements. Yet, it’s one of the first words that came to my mind as I listened to the new record from Grant-Lee Phillips, In the Hour of Dust. The album’s title is taken from an 1800’s painting of cattle being herded home as part of the preparation for nightfall. It’s perhaps the first indicator of how visuals drive a story and the story drives a visual, something few people are as adept at as Phillips.
Take, for example, American Lions. It’s a story from his past about visiting the tar pits at La Brea and imaging what LA would have been like when sabre tooth tigers roamed the area. Bullies reminds us of the jerks from the schoolyard that have managed to keep that personality intact throughout their life. Along a similar thematic vector is Little Men, about those “who want to rule like Caesar” and keep true freedom from so many. Aurally it’s an alt-country ballad and gives off some of the vibe from Phillips earlier incarnation, Grant Lee Buffalo.
He strips everything down to just himself on a few instruments, plus a drum track, on She Knows Me. That simplification makes it very personal, magnifying the effect of a love song to his long-time partner who “always finds a way to talk me down.” She’s also the subject on No Mistaking about how “these moments, they turn into years,” and his clear joy at having her as his soulmate. He adds some gravitas to his otherwise gentle, comforting vocals on Last Corner of the Earth. It’s an admonishment to not give up and keep holding on tight, “blowing on a coal of hope.”
Perhaps because of Grant-Lee Phillips early art background, many of his songs evoke an imagery that’s more than just the words and music. What’s maybe even more surprising is the band on the album is straightforward; guitar, keys, bass and drums. No synthesizers or orchestras or fancy effects to distract you from the songs. So when you’re ready to sit down and shut out the literal and figurative noise from the world, I highly recommend In the Hour of Dust.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.