Raw lyrics. Tick. Melancholy vocals. Tick. Mournful lap -- steel guitar links. Tick. Absent Fathers is everything we've come to expect from a Justin Townes Earle album. Trouble is, for me anyway, it's so close on the heels of its sister album, Absent Mothers, released just a few weeks ago, tied into his New Zealand tour.
I realise that this was his intention and there are worthwhile highlights on both albums. But, to my mind, lifting these tracks on to one record would make more sense.
It could even be called Absent Mothers and Fathers. How about that?
Absent Fathers does deliver choice music from Townes Earle. The opening track for example, Father from me, Least I got the blues, Slow Monday, and a low-key live take of Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, recorded at a Sydney radio station on his recent tour. If you're a Justin Townes Earle tragic you will want this new release, and you'll enjoy it.
If you're not in that category, you're best advised to have a listen before you hand over your cash.
