These United States - What Lasts
Lucky enough to have scored an advanced release of These United States’ new album, which came as a surprise to me when up until recently I had not heard them. Their new album, What Lasts, was written last summer after songwriter Jesse Elliott’s near death experience on Lake Michigan. Befallen by this experience the album takes a decidedly darker, more heavy hearted turn.
As with the other albums they have written, there is a fantastic blend of folk, country. southern infused rock and even a tad of exploratory psychedelic. Their single, The Great River, features the country twang associated with J. Tom Hnatow’s pedal steel, Robby Cosenza’s rolling drums and Jesse Elliott’s solid songwriting. This is song is a great benchmark for the sounds these guys are capable of. It’s two and a half minutes of rollicking, fun music.
What Lasts seems to be an exploratory album full of ups and downs that makes for a great mix. The album just over 30 minutes is an intimate affair of introspections of and bursting moments of foot stomping rock goodness. They walk this thin line and it makes for a fantastic journey that takes you from the melancholy to rowdy roadhouse like jams.
These guys are touring like mad so, check them out, they’ll definitely come to your area.
TOUR DATES
The album releases from United Interests July 20. For more information, check their website at http://www.theseunitedstates.net/
