Not satisfied with releasing one of the best Americana albums of 2021 in ‘American Silence’, singer-songwriter Chris Pierce has formed an outstanding new band with fellow Los Angeles-based musicians Erik Janson and Matthew Stevens. The resulting group, Leon Creek, blend a range of roots styles to create a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. ‘Hope Never Leaves My Side’ is a foot-tapping, melodic song that showcases Chris Pierce’s fine, soulful vocals. His warm voice rises and falls above light, rapid percussion, flowing keys and delightful finger-picking on the guitar and banjo. The cool, retro-stylings of the video are well-suited to the confidently modern take on older sounds.
In troubled times, a song of hope in adversity is very welcome, especially when it’s delivered with such style. If you’re yet to hear Leon Creek’s rousing new album ‘Far From Broken’, then this is your way in. Named after a small river in San Antonio, the band produce music that flows: swirling currents of inspiration found across genres transport us to an Americana destination somewhere down river of the familiar. As well as being hugely listenable, Leon Creek have something to say. Chris Pierce brings the same depth and purpose that characterised his solo album this year and his collaboration with Sunny War, War & Pierce. Check it out.
