The West Virginia based country crooner channels the spirit of folk storytellers of yore with a personal touch on her 4th LP.
If you're a fan of underground/alt country music, then Sierra Ferrell is almost without a doubt an artist that has been on your radar for quite sometime. After self producing and releasing two studio albums, Ferrell would make her label debut with 2021's wonderful 'Long Time Coming.' Her music has earned a reputation of being folk charged, old school country music that isn't afraid to incorporate daring styles and musical shifts. I'm pleased to say that trend continues on with 'Trail of Flowers.'
The album opens with a really pleasant tune that feels the most like 'modern' country music, the anthemic 'American Dreaming'. As the title implies, the song explores the theme of just trying to make it and live the dream, whatever that even means in this day and age. It's a theme that is at the forefront of the record, along with stories of love and self worth. It doesn't take Ferrell long to mix things up, as 'Dollar Bill Bar' serves as an old timey country jaunt with a little jazz flavor sprinkled in. At times it can be reminiscent of an artist like Norah Jones, with solid performances and satisfying and easeful melodies. It's a little surprising to hear, but she nails the style and it fits with her body of work perfectly. There are lots of jazz, waltz, and even some tango influence throughout the album, and it helps keeps things feeling fresh.
The production is nice and crisp, if not standard sounding for the genre. It's easy to parse the vocals and pick out each individual instrumental performances, which is really all you can want from an album like this. There are smatterings of fiddle, electric and acoustic guitar, banjos, slide guitars, the standard fare for country and folk music. It's all performed well enough and can stand up to anything else country has to offer. There are soft moments, fun moments, sad and happy moments, and everything in between. It never strays too far from the 'easier listening' side of things, but there's not anything wrong with that!
'Trail of Flowers' is an easy album to recommend for folk and country fans, and stands as another great release in the young career of Sierra Ferrell. There's a little something for everyone, and variety really is the spice of life, eh? I'm looking forward to adding these songs to my rotation, and to see how Sierra Ferrell continues to grow and evolve as a musician! The genre is in good hands, and this release just reassures that thought.
Standout tracks: American Dreaming, Dollar Bill Bar, Chittlin' Cookin' Time in Cheatham County, Fox Hunt, Lighthouse, No Letter
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