Label: Beryn Art Records

Release Date: October 2, 2015

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

Country music can be a guilty pleasure of many rockers, especially with today's musical climate and so many artists jumping from rock to country and back again.  The latest from self-proclaimed alt-country performer Bart Crow is not exactly alternative, but not country either, but it is damn good music.  Disc opener "Queen Of The Heartache Parade" is a cool track that features lots of guitar and could have been Tom Petty's next big hit.  The vocals and guitars work together to deliver the mood of the track, as well as a solid rhythm section.  "Dear Music" has a cool Americana feel to it that builds through the verse and into the choruses and bridge.  Bart's vocals are key to the delivery of the track, especially the harmonies.  "Vapor Trails" has a different feel to it, thanks to the melancholy vocals and the keyboard opening that grows during the bridge and chorus.  The female background/co-vocal adds depth to the song.  "One Night With You" is very recognizable and reminds me of a Garth Brooks song (if you are going to draw comparisons, it might as well be Garth Brooks, right?).  The addition of a sax during the bridge keeps this song interesting.  The albums debut single, "Life Comes At You Fast," is a fun song that demonstrates Crow's vocal talent and ability to deliver a song with emotion and an infectious groove.  "City Limit Signs" is another track that leans heavier into the country-rock vein, showing off Bart's alternative side while staying true to his roots.  The way he melds the two styles together is fun, especially when the solo hits at the bridge.

"Baby Won't You Come Back Home" opens with a guitar riff backing up Crow's lead vocals and helps move the tune along through the verses to the chorus, when the rest of the band joins in and creates a catchy groove that infiltrates the song.  "Top Of Rock Bottom" kicks off like a contemporary country track, but the electric guitar, drums, and bass swirl into the mix and gives this mild rock feel that gets the foot tapping and keeps you guessing as to which way this tune will run.  "Here We Go Again" brings a country vibe to the collection, with a strumming acoustic guitar and heavier drawl in Crow's vocals.  The duet at the chorus adds texture to the tracks dynamic.  "Come Back Tomorrow" is more country and mild than most tracks on the disc, but it fits within the parameter of the disc, thanks to Bart's consistent vocals and the solid effort from the band behind him.  "Free Like Me" brings old school country and blues to the mix, with one of the more diverse tracks on the disc.  Listening to Crow croon the catchy chorus, you find yourself singing along and enjoying yourself, only to discover there is a killer hidden track.  Do not - I repeat, do not skip the bonus track on this disc, as this singer, his band, and some guest vocalists have delivered the coolest damn cover of The Rolling Stones' "Let It Bleed" that continues the blues meets country meets rock vibe this entire disc throws off.  Just may have to dig back into Bart's catalog after enjoying this disc...

​​​​​Tracklisting: Queen Of The Heartache Parade - Dear Music - Baby Won't You Come Back Home - Vapor Trails - Top Of Rock Bottom - One Night With You - Here We Go Again - Life Comes At You Fast - Come Back Tomorrow - City Limit Signs - Free Like Me

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