Courtney Marie Andrews - Loose Future
Phoenix-born country singer-songwrier Courtney Marie Andrews released her first album back in 2008, but her breakthrough came with 2016's 'Honest Life', an album of breathtaking beauty that was released in the UK just one month before she arrived at Norwich Arts Centre to provide opening support for The Handsome Family. She made a big impression, and gained many new Norfolk fans that night. 2018's 'May Your Kindness Remain' cleverly introduced elements of gospel, R'n'B and soul, and 2020's 'Old Flowers' went on to receive widespread acclaim, as well as picking up a Grammy nomination.
Fast forward to June of this year when, on the hottest day ever recorded in this country, Courtney Marie was back in Norwich Arts Centre, first night of a UK headlining tour to promote her upcoming new album, 'Loose Future'. The heat may have been a factor, but her performance that evening, even with six brand new songs on the setlist, sounded somewhat lacklustre, and failed to enthuse me.
And, now that I have the chance to hear 'Loose Future' in its entirety, I have to say that my flame remains somewhat unignited. Confusingly focussed on twin goals of freedom and romance, it becomes an album of mixed messages, as well as some strange production choices. The title track is enhanced by some rather unsettling animal-like noises, whilst the reverbed slide guitar on lead single 'Satellite' rather resembles a steel band.
Standout tracks, though, include the gentle 'On The Line', the slow and heartfelt 'Let Her Go', and the closing confessional 'Me and Jerry'. And 'These Are The Good Old Days', infused with its hope of future memories, has a neatly reflective sound that recalls the late Roy Orbison, whilst Andrews' voice regains its bell-like clarity for the openly conciliatory 'Change My Mind'.
'Loose Future' is, hopefully, just a blip in what has, so far, been a glittering succession of releases. Or, perhaps it is me, opting for the virtues of an honest life rather than the uncertainties of a loose future?
5/10
