The Believers
Lucky You
Chinese Baby
8/10
Alt-country isn’t exactly mainstream. There are probably a handful of those who’ve done it well- most of them either dead or squeezing out the last minutes of careers on HBO-and in walks The Believers. In less time than it takes Leann Rimes to hit a high C, the two injected the genre with a heavy dose of grunge and rock. The result Lucky You, is a high octane companion of bluegrass, country and attitude that is bound to send Alison Krauss and Union Station packing.
As the opening bars of “Higher Ground” announce, this is a group that is out to conquer the world- or Nashville, at least. Craig Aspen’s screaming guitar conjures up images of rock bands of lore such as the Scorpions, and even a little Fleetwood Mac. Throughout the entire album, he- and their backup band- manages to create a multitude of moods that range from angry, to soulful, to wistful regret. Such virtuosity is rare. Kudos, Craig.
The ace in the hole is Cyd Franizzi’s voice. In a space of a few songs, she’s able to channel the Dixie Chicks, Concrete Blonde, Stevie Nicks and yes, even Alison Krauss. Throughout it all, she projects a frankness that is brutally honest to the point of being painful- witness “Read it and Weep” and “When the Circus Left Town.” The mellifluous singing is only improved by her harmonies with Aspen, which recalls some of the best of Johnny and June Carter Cash.
However, there are some duds, to be sure. “Mother Nature” sounds too much like vintage Steve Earle- who just so happens to be an idol for both of them. “I’m Only Dreaming” sounds like too poppy a song for such a diverse record. Overall, though, for a duo that hails from the grunge capital of Seattle, they’ve managed to create a unique niche for themselves that is as unconventional as it is original.
At $13, “Lucky You” is worth the gamble.
–John Winn