The legacy may lie in the songs hooked up by country music
in the 1990s or in a trio of dominant albums blossoming in the 2010s. Maybe
though, the legacy is still to come such is the trajectory in the quality of
output from Gretchen Peters. The most important thing about a new release is
that it is just the start of a cycle. In essence, DANCING WITH THE BEAST will
be effectively born on May 18th, with several years of burgeoning appreciation
set to follow.While the discography stretches back twenty plus years, the cycle of slow growth began with 2012’s HELLO CRUEL WORLD, which reached full bloom here a couple of years later. That is symptomatic of a Gretchen Peters record, it is not designed for the ‘here today; gone tomorrow’ society. There is stamina, staying power and subtle variances that await discovery. The case for reviewing her albums twelve or twenty four months down the line is compelling. At these points, different perspectives are certain to exist rather than cobbling together something definitive on release day. However, getting your ears wrapped around this record as soon as the traps lift is still the only place to be. In effect, start your voyage of discovery from day one.
Fans of Gretchen Peters will know what they are getting from
the new record. This is confirmed. First impressions (ok plays running into
double figures) see the stars of song writing, production and thematic
perception perfectly aligned as the eleven songs blend into the spirit of an explorative entity. Whether in character narration mode or digging deep into
personal feelings, the impact slices with a cutting edge. One hopes that the
lines between the two states are less than blurred such is the dark overtures
that drape over a number of the tracks. The strength of any album lies within
the pull of wanting to unravel the layers and ultimately search for your own
meanings and interpretations. DANCING WITH THE BEAST exchanges the baton of
ownership once landing on the ears of the listener.
Questions spill out of track after track, with the only
desire of conjuring up the answers yourself. Is the central character of ‘Wichita’ irrational or in control? Was
there an audience member in ‘The Show’ waiting
for that performance of a lifetime? Can the final ‘Disappearing Act’ be averted?
In these times where many outlets give the artist an
extended voice, it can be devilish to summon up your own interpretations. The Gulf
of Mexico in ‘Lay Low’ can re-invent
into any place of personal sanctuary, while the simplicity of ‘Love That Makes
a Cup of Tea’ is a message to us all to steer clear of complications, an
exception though when it comes to splitting hairs in the process of feasting on
quality lyrics.
Of course, once all the tracks are let out of the bag some
gallop ahead. ‘Truckstop Angel’ sees
Gretchen at her narrative starkest as no stone is left unturned in the search
of those often denied a voice. This theme erupts in ‘The Boy From Rye’, definitely a song from 2018 not 1998. Where ‘Say Grace’ and ‘Arguing with Ghosts’ eventually end up is anybody’s guess, but
being there when the key is found is worth the wait. ‘Lowlands’ is a place that we all
probably know and the one instance on the record where you could have predicted
the route, assuming the subject of the ‘bumper sticker’is…
The key to DANCING WITH THE BEAST is now in your possession.
It would be unwise to let this record pass as the year rolls along. Happy
listening if it you have got the right state of mind. There is lightness in the dark and a
touch of shade when it gets too bright. Gretchen Peters is on top form and a
truly great songwriter. Finally, who or what is the beast? Answers only
required within your mind.
www.gretchenpeters.com