Tobacco City Hit Twangy Sweet Spot On Debut ‘Tobacco City U.S.A.’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

The debut full length from the Chicago-based alt-country band Tobacco City recalls the cosmic Americana of Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers as the tracks effortlessly roll out like exhaling cigarette smoke while watching a summer sunset.

The quintet hit that late sixties sweet spot right from the opening effort “Blue Raspberry” with sounds of children playing before the slide guitar, round snare, and warbling vocals lock-in. Those vocals pair wonderfully on the duet “Tobacco City Waltz” which deals with the classic country aftermath of lovers’ quarrels, binges, and dark thoughts. 

The twang and stomp kick up its boot heels for the shuffling “AA Blues” over a rolling beat as Chad Gooch contributes piano, while the bass groove of “Neon Lights” is a bright spot. The languid “LSD” begins with cricket chirps then lazily recalls a summer altered swim session before closer “Brother” ends the album on a down note both sonically and emotionally as the band seems plodding and dull where previously they had soared.  

Things are improved immensely during “Never On My Mind” which features weaving guitar interplay lead by Usalis slide work and strong vocals. The best of the bunch is the darkly comic “Half In The Bag” which plays like a Brighter Than Dark’s Creation era Drive-By Truckers tune with dusky vocals, vibrating tones, and a wry smile shining through the excellent singing/lyrics. 

The songs on Tobacco City, USA succeed in their cosmic Americana/alt-country vein with the duet vocals especially brightening the scene. The strong debut record proves Tobacco City is primed to contribute to the genre with swaying ease.  

 

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