Jason Isbell
Foxes in the Snow
**** out of *****
For his most recent effort, Foxes in the Snow, the singer/songwriter Jason Isbell stripped down to as basic as it comes. Isbell set up shop at Electric Lady Studios with just an all-mahogany 1940 Martin 0-17 acoustic guitar and his impressive vocals. Working with producer Gena Johnson over the span of just five days, Isbell's open, raw and hypnotic tunes are enchanting.
The opening "Bury Me" sets the tone with positive upbeat playing, as a country twang floats through the effort which also boasts a bit of a boogie that could easily be translated to a full band rave up. That is the one issue with Foxes in the Snow. There is no arguing Isbell's merits as a singer/song-writer at this point, he is one of the greatest doing it today, but the one note acoustic tone of the album can run thin at times. More full band sounds would elevate the release with dynamics and energy.
As it stands though, the acoustic, bare bones numbers can be starkly effective. "Eileen" is a divorce story song, which could be tied to Isbell's personal life, but so could all of these efforts. "Gravelweed" is gorgeously illuminated with heartfelt lyrics and string strumming, the Southern based survivor song "Crimson and Clay" and the slow waltzing "Open and Close" both provide scenic rides.
Whether it is the humor he flashes on bluegrass picking number "Ride to Roberts" or the funky little love song that is the title track, fans and newcomers will both find something to adore. "Don't Be Tough" sounds like a more adult take on perhaps his most popular song "Outfit", but this time around advice is more hard-earned and lived in as opposed to fun and wide eyed.
With Isbell going through a public divorce, the idea of remembrance/break-ups/love are at the core of these songs and really come to the forefront with the three closing tracks. "Good While It Lasted" is a brokenhearted sober number that looks at things with clear eyes in poetic fashion, "True Believer" looks back with more anger at the dissolution of a relationship, while gorgeous closer "Wind Behind The Rain" has sweet picking from Isbell and ends the record on a positive note, admiring the healing power of love and devotion.
Choosing to break it all down puts the focus clearly on Isbell's voice, lyrics and guitar playing, all of which rise to the task throughout Foxes in the Snow.
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