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Country music may have a chequered presence when it comes to a social conscience and progressive stance, but when it sinks its teeth in and does it well, there is no finer music on this planet. California has a rich history in country music and this is fully respected in the vibes and sheen of the latest album from Laura Benitez and the Heartache. Even when CALIFORNIA CENTURIES chooses to spread its tentacles the glow of certified twang looms large. These tentacles do work hard via a variety of themes across the twelve tracks that illuminate this album as a premium release. Yet whichever cause is tackled, all roads lead back to the absolute stellar 'Are You Using Your Heart'. A candidate for country song of the year, and willing to beat off all pretenders.
For a bit of previous context, Laura Benitez and the Heartache made a massive impression here to gain an entry into the best albums of 2018 haul with the gloriously catchy WITH ALL ITS THORNS. Like so many independent artists tougher days lay ahead, but on the numerous impulsive listens to this worthy follow up, the jury is poised to say that this is a mighty step up.
Within moments of anointing the aforementioned steel infused banger as song of the year, 'Plaid Shirt' yells 'hold your beer, I'm here'. Yes a worthy runner up. Twang and steel reign supreme through the DNA of this record, even when things get a little folky This style gets a look in deep in the heart of the record when 'All Songs' serenades with a singalong chorus and 'The Shot', which hits home from successive verse first lines and hinges on some sort of rueful reflection.
If country music is known for explicit lyrics that don't beat around the bush, 'Gas Light (We Shouldn't Talk About It)' leaves the listener in no doubt to where she stands on the gun divide and other conservative values. Such a debate seems futile from afar and if this expressive outpouring from the right side ensues therapy, then more continuing kudos to the power of music. On issues with a more worldwide presence, 'God Willing and the Creek Don't Rise' hits hard and what better to address the climate issue of the day in the style of some wonderful bluegrass picking. Not the widest country music diversion, but the Heartache serve Laura Benitez fine with this foot stomping number.
The strength of CALIFORNIA CENTURIES, a title named after endurance cycle excursions, comes in the honest assessment that a fine opener in 'Bad Things' gets things off to a decent start before being totally overshadowed by the riches that follow. This is not a slight on a good song that gently eases along with strong messages and an introductory slice of twang, but highlights how impressive the follow up escalates. In contrast the album ends wrapped in the tone that sums up what has oozed out from the grooves in the previous thirty-nine minutes. 'I'm With The Band' is the crowning finale to cement the credentials of a record shimmering in Californian country gold.
Elsewhere the record deviates a little in sound with 'I'm the One' and 'Let the Chips Fall', primarily because they settle either side of the towering peak track and stand out as the band etching into exploratory mode that is a desire from the outset. 'A Love Like Yours' and 'Invisible' complete the undercard with the latter embedding fiddle into the soundscape and the former a love song with a difference including the album's title appearing in the lyrics.
The base is stellar and the peaks are momentous. CALIFORNIA CENTURIES not only builds upon the the excellence of its predecessor, but resonates as a genre clearing all obstacles and sailing down a carefree road on the roller skates of life. Laura Benitez and the Heartache take you one step further to finding the holy grail of music. Great music and writing.