Worth the wait for this impressive return and a dose of the truth.
Lyal Strickland hails from Missouri’s Ozarks. This is his first full-length release since his 2016 record, Preservation. Much has happened in between, and this collection is quite a departure from that earlier work. Since the extensive touring following the release of Preservation, he has married and become a father of two young daughters. He returned to the family farm, tended the cattle, and questioned his ability to write the truth. This set is a departure from the past. Strickland’s voice has matured, his writing is even better, and the result is the impressive Shooter of Truth.
Strickland attended a Southwest Folk Alliance conference and ended up writing a new batch of songs exploring many of the feelings and experiences he’s been through since his last record. With a host of talented musicians, Shooter of Truth is a perfectly balanced record that includes poignant moments alongside songs Strickland has fun with. He keeps to his man with a guitar-troubadour delivery on some tunes, then dives in with a full, robust band on others.
The title track was born from a drunken night: waking up, realising that he had to be truthful, and own up to the mistakes he had made. It’s a fine start with an acoustic guitar leading the proceedings, and Strickland’s delivery picks his way through past misdemeanours and a search for the truth and forgiveness. The theme that, as the title would suggest, underpins the whole set.
An accidental addition of the splendid voice of Rachel Laven on the track Birds is a standout moment early in the list. Co-producer Adam Dawson suggested the song would work as a duet, and although we haven’t heard the original demo, this really works. Again, a simple guitar refrain is joined by beautiful cello from Molly Healey during the break, adding drama and a heart-rending feel. Strickland sings “I oughta know better by now / That an open heart starts to drown.”
The third single taken from the album I’m Still Poor is a country rocker that mentions one of Strickland’s heroes, Guy Clark. “Is there someone out there listening to Clark / Drunk on white wine and shooting in the dark”. Certainly a poignant image, and hopefully there will be someone out there listening to the great man. It’s a pulsating call for support: despite all your effort, drive, and enthusiasm, we all still need someone to consider the practicalities of getting there. “I sold my soul, but I’m still poor” is a great line and will hit home with many listeners, whether artistically, professionally or in a relationship.
The collection is overall reflective, but it isn’t without moments that bring a smile to your face. Homewrecker is a total rocker and a lot of fun, as is Church List. The latter has a serious side. A “Church Prayer List” is for people the congregation feel need special prayers. Strickland has a YouTube channel, Those Taste Bud Guys, with his friend and bass player Chris Horn, and, as you can guess, it’s dedicated to the amber nectar. When Strickland’s mother called to let him know his name was on a Church List, embarrassment and shame came first, followed by anger. It turned out it was a completely different Lyal Strickland, which is bizarre in itself, but the idea for a song about ignoring gossip and giving time to those who really care was born.
An exquisite cover of Guy Clark’s Hell Bent On A Heartache ends Shooter of Truth in fine style. There is a lot to enjoy here and also plenty of food for thought. It’s a welcome return which is well worth the wait.
