Saw The Arkansas [LP]

On "I Saw the Arkansas", underground country sensation Dylan Earl guides us through the many wacky stories, close encounters with the law, dizzying romances, and endless highways from this chapter of his life. Juxtaposed, but perhaps not entirely in opposition, he describes the calm yet wild beauty of the Natural State and the inspiration and contemplation he draws from his home. Longtime fans of Dylan's work will recognize the trademark blend of honkytonk, southern rock, and traditional country which has defined his sound for years: rowdy rambling tunes like "Buddy" and up-beat two-steps like "Fever," full of energy and swagger. On this latest recorded effort, Dearl blazes new sonic trails, like the borderline psychedelic romp of "White Painted Trees" and the meditative and somber title track, a dreamy waltz which paints a picture of the spirits of the narrator, the Arkansas Traveller, and beloved Southern poet Frank Stanford, watching their bodies float by from atop a levee on the Arkansas river. Across the record's nine tracks, Earl's baritone vocal stylings are, in moments, reminiscent of iconic country forebears Randy Travis, Waylon Jennings and Conway Twitty. He uses it to tell his story earnestly, and not without laughing at himself a little bit along the way. Timeless in it's unique combination of elements, forging "I Saw The Arkansas" into a tender, rambunctious, and ultimately classic listening experience.