Lonestar Time

With five albums under its belt, the Esquela, roots-rock band linked to the most classic of American sounds, well represents that 'blue collar' attitude that has distinguished many musicians from the seventies onwards. John 'Chico' Finn and his pards return four years after the previous album with a series of songs built as we inevitably saw due to the pandemic, with many 'overdubs' but with the solid and inspired hand of Eric 'Roscoe' Ambel who assembled a very interesting and inspired work. The topics addressed are largely 'non-ordinary' with space for considerations on the environment, racism and historical facts while the style is fresh and captivating, compact and very enjoyable. "Not In My Backyard" talks about the hypocrisy of mankind towards environmental and climatic emergencies, "What's Your Problem?" and "Three Finger Joe" represent the position of the band regarding racial issues also in reference to the tragic story of George Floyd while songs like "Wait For Me" and "Two Stones" are two examples of how the story can be re-read in a poetic way and intense. From the instrumental point of view, you can enjoy the guitar intertwining well cared for thanks to Mr. Ambel, protagonist in recordings as in production, flanked by Brian Shafer and Matt Woodin, Becca Frame to make the vocal harmonies even more varied, another strong point of the album. A record that despite the logistical difficulties represents an important step in the production of a band that may not revolutionize American rock but presents it with extreme passion and skill.

http://www.lonestartime.com