Straight out of the deep south comes the melody packed debut mini album from Lou Kyme. I should point out, the deep south I speak of is deepest darkest Southampton. However, you would be forgiven for thinking these seven radiant slices of Americana/country same straight out of the USA.
Chuck magic
In fact, that isn’t so very far from the truth. Despite Lou’s English roots, and wealth of experience treading the boards with her dads’ band, the Okeh Wranglers, there are several American rootsy factors at play here. None more so than an appearance from legendary Green on Red axe man, and general guitar slinging legend Mr Chuck Prophet. Prophet sprinkles his magic on two of the tracks here. A chance encounter with the virtuoso on a trip Austin, Texas while playing with his band The Mission Express ultimately leading to the pair recording together. A mighty coup, and in turn a fairly huge complement to the obvious talents of Lou on her debut.
Add to this mix Texas and Californian influences from drummer/bassist Vincente Rodriguez (who also produced the album) and guitarist James DePrato and the US influences become evident. The line up is completed by James Rossi on organs and guesting on accordion, Stephanie Finch.
Glorious
The resultant output? Seven glorious slices of Americana both celebrating the glory of love, while also lamenting love lost. Take the opening track, Oh Love, the perfect anti-love love song. The song rocks along at a fair lick. Buoyant riffing and an effervescent rhythm with some slick rockin’ solos from Chuck belie the message beneath. The lyrics right from the off indicating a disquiet with all things love or relationship related. “Oh Love, you’ll be the death of me, bring me down onto my knees” laments Lou. The song goes on to question the pressure to be in love or be a failure, ultimately she gives society the two fingered salute “so, I’ll do things my own way………give me the freedom to decide whether to be alone or with a love”. Cracking opening.
Mr Prophet adds his magic once again to What’s the Worst That Can Happen, a debonair laidback dreamy track with soaring organs complementing Chuck’s chilled riffing. The nonchalant tone of the tune once again belies the underlying messages in this song, a kind of fiddling while Rome burns theme as Lou looks upon a future with near apocalyptic lyrics.
Optimistic
Elsewhere on the album, I Don’t Care has an edgy pounding glam stomp running throughout, while Let’s Drive verges on a Cajun feel. Stephanie Finch’s expressive accordion adding a carefree feel to the vivid soulful guitars on this uplifting road trip tune. The album ends as it started on an upbeat note with the spring in the step of Want You Back With Me, this time though, Lou is in more of a glowing optimistic mood with lyrics matching the more whimsical air of the track.
My one complaint? Only seven tracks. I look forward to much more from the Kyme camp in the future.
Website: https://www.louisekymemusic.com/