Reflection is at the core for latest from celebrated couple.
Couples who choose to record together will obviously bring a genuinely personal touch to songs they create, and Jonathan and Abigail Peyton have chosen for Jonathan’s third release to perform as a duo, and the results are magnificent. Their ability to write superb melodies and deliver captivating harmonies is highly impressive. Peyton is an AUK favourite, and his previous two albums have been rapturously received. The quality doesn’t diminish with this collection of songs, which are drawn from highly individualistic trauma and subsequent personal growth. Jason Hoard twiddled the knobs majestically, and the songs are all written by Peyton, with one written by Brian Elmquist (The Lone Bellow). The duo are backed up by Jason Hoard (guitars, banjo, bass, mandolin), Jonathan Ray (guitars), Kevin Carl (drums), Isaac George (pedal steel), Tiffany Ray (violin) and Chelsea McGough (cello).
Album opener is the tough ‘Walk It Out’, an up-tempo tune mixing electric and acoustic strumming around a song looking at the difficulty of maintaining a good relationship with neighbours. The couple’s voices blend effortlessly here and throughout the album, and the honesty and willingness to deal with very personal topics give the listener a real chance to warm to the songs. Those exemplary joint harmonies are best demonstrated on the next track, ‘No Time’, a lovely song looking at the importance of not dwelling on failing relationships. Hoard’s production skills are on display here, showing what a remarkably skilled musician he is. On ‘Glad That You’re Home’, after a false start, we are enriched by Abigail’s beautiful singing, with acoustic guitar and harmonica, before Jonathan joins in. It’s a song celebrating everyday life, and it shows how much of a journey they’ve been on in life – always a rich source for great music.
The next song is written by Elmquist, ‘I Want That For You’, and he joins the duo on vocals, and the third voice works really well. The underlying message of recovery from substance abuse is featured in a few of the songs, but always in a genuinely natural way.
‘What A Shame’ is a fantastic album highlight, looking at how a family reacts to a member succumbing to an unwelcome vice – the tune builds progressively and works so well. ‘Taking Shelter’ is another life-affirmer, starting modestly before building to a tougher, grittier sound around the reality of how strong love can be in hard times.
The Peyton’s have made a powerful and joyous album, brimming with strong melodies and the combination of two singing voices that resonate with their simplistic power.
I’ve commented previously about my discovery of Jonathan & Abigail. Having thoroughly enjoyed – and still enjoying – their “Nothing Here’s the Same” as well as an array of singles and EP’s, this latest release is another corker! The only disappointment of my recent visit to Tennessee was missing out on tickets to see them at the Bluebird. Oh well …(somewhat made up by catching Kevin Gordon, Will Kimbrough & Paul Burch there on my last day).
I hope the world gets an opportunity to hear this wonderful duo’s output.