Freeway 99 is a stirring new album from Edmonds, WA-based artist Jess Grant, who crafts an array of classic-sounding rock that spans from heartland ardour to moodier ruminations. Grant, who started writing songs within the ’70s and launched his debut album in 1982, continues to point out a penchant for high-quality, heartfelt songwriting all through Freeway 99, which represents his 18th independently launched studio undertaking.
Amongst the album’s many standouts, “The Tower” is especially magnetic for its fusing of twangy guitars and stately piano. The organ-laden “all people has to take the steps,” enamoring takes sturdy maintain, as does the depictions of a extra desolate metropolis setting the place nothing’s open — poignant within the context of the monitor’s inspiration, which Grant notes was “impressed by the point I spent in downtown Seattle through the pandemic.”
Elsewhere, “Good Canine” exudes a extra rousing rock spirit. “Come again, and don’t run away,” a vocal beckoning lets out inside a variety of scorching Americana guitar tones and harmonica touches. A incredible ode to a dearly departed “good canine” stands as a sturdy spotlight, balancing emotional heaviness with rockin’ charisma. “Mrs. Whistle” is one other ode to somebody beloved — on this case, Grant’s spouse. “She’s the one who retains me out of hassle,” a multi-layered vocal hook emanates amidst harmonious guitar pulses, showcasing a transparent adoration for somebody who retains one grounded and beloved.
A extra biting, raucously manufacturing with hints of grunge in its ardent rock manufacturing, “Knight Mare on Yelm Avenue” additionally immerses in its memorable melodic drive and critique of spiritual/religious exploitation. As Grant describes: “JZ Knight has been “channeling Ramtha” since 1987. Doonesbury spoofed her within the 90s, and everybody dwelling close to Yelm WA (close to the state capitol of Olympia) is aware of of her Ramtha College of Enlightenment,” he says. “This tune is about her and her place in a protracted lineage of religious hucksters.” Listeners of Freeway 99 can anticipate an array of sturdy songwriting with quite a lot of themes — from societal commentary to odes to household.
Stream these tracks and the remainder of the superb Freeway 99, under:
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These and different tracks featured this month may be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Rising Singles’ Spotify playlist.
