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That old school folk drifter sound is what you’ll get from Luke Roberts’ earthy new album Sunlit Cross. It’s a breath of fresh air, beautiful and bright, with pared down production and simple acoustic arrangements. And though Roberts began writing the songs on Sunlit Cross while traveling, his Nashville roots are undeniable. There’s a seventies smoothness to his melodies, making you feel so good and warm you might not even notice the sadness in his words.
“American Music” finds Roberts in a kind of chilled-out Southern rock mode, with a slow and steady guitar melody that eases along. That inherently Southern sense of place makes itself known in more than just Roberts’ subtle drawl. It lives in the slow, Sunday morning back porch vibe he effortlessly creates. “We’re gonna put American music/In the heart of every child,” he sings softly.
The rich sound Roberts creates through such spare instrumental arrangements is a feat. “Missing Blues” hears Roberts resembling the haunting tone of Jason Molina, and Roberts embodies that introspective, solitary soul identity so naturally. “Run” brings that same bummer beauty to a song about being present, even when it feels hopeless.
There’s a noticeable calm and quiet to Sunlit Cross, which is no surprise as Roberts worked closely with Kurt Vile producer Kyle Spence. The master of chill himself, Vile, even makes an appearance himself on “Silver Chain”, a shimmering maze of gorgeous guitar, banjo and harmonies that practically glows. The acoustic guitar is hypnotic throughout Sunlit Cross, and it’s impossible not to float away with it. “Untitled Blues” finds it contrasted with Drive-By Truckers’ John Neff’s pedal steel guitar, and it’s so magnificent, it’ll make you short of breath. This is one of Sunlit Cross’s true standouts. “You can call it/Whatever you want to,” sings Roberts. I wouldn’t call it blues, but I would call it stunning.
