I Saw The Arkansas

Description

On "I Saw the Arkansas," the underground country sensation Dylan Earl guides us through the many quirky stories, close encounters with the law, dizzying romances, and endless highways of this chapter of his life. Juxtaposed, but perhaps not entirely opposed, he describes the calm and wild beauty of the Natural State and the inspiration and contemplation he draws from his home. Longtime fans of Dylan's work will recognize the characteristic blend of honkytonk, Southern rock, and traditional country that has defined his sound for years: raucous and loose tunes like "Buddy" and catchy two-steps like "Fever," full of energy and bravado. On this latest album, Earl opens new sonic pathways, such as the psychedelic-tinged epic "White Painted Trees" and the meditative, dark title track, a dreamy waltz that paints a picture of the narrator's spirits, the traveler from Arkansas, and the beloved Southern poet Frank Stanford, watching their bodies float from atop a levee over the Arkansas River. Throughout the nine tracks of the album, Earl's baritone vocal style occasionally recalls the iconic country ancestors Randy Travis, Waylon Jennings, and Conway Twitty. He uses it to tell his story earnestly, not without poking a little fun at himself along the way. Timeless in its unique combination of elements, "I Saw The Arkansas" forges a listening experience that is tender, exuberant, and ultimately classic.