Retro to the core and nailing a sound to a tee. Stacy Antonel delivers big time in her new album. ALWAYS THE OUTSIDER as an entity is a sharp set of songs; 'Always the Outsider' as a song is a mean opening track ripe for announcing the arrival for newbies checking in for the first time. A change from the recording moniker Ginger Cowgirl to a more straight forward name is part of a re-design. There is a valid point to the moniker being a bit genre straightjacketed when there is so much more to the music of Stacy Antonel. A motive of seeking other influences is understandable, but this album never loses that regal country sound.
Pedal steel is the thread that holds the album together and a little delving reveals Doug Pettibone hired for that input in places. A musician here recognised for his work with Lucinda Williams among others. 'Heartbroken Tomorrow' right at the heart of the record with its rapid strumming and sizzling solo outro makes a strong case for the album's peak even though it wasn't one of the pre-release singles. Those accolades went understandably to the opener which can also be described as a piece of crisp country alongside the grand twangy swirly sound to 'Kicking and Screaming' and the old time starry theatrical jazzy vibes adorning 'Planetary Heartache'. One lyric picked up early on was "it's been a rough two years". Unsure of the actual context, but I'm sure plenty of artists would adhere to the literal sentiment.
After a mid-album breather in 'Absent Captain', the sound goes traditional all over with the fabulous 'Texas Lasts Forever'. A strong candidate for the album's premier moment. Pushing it is the lovely gentle feel to 'I Talk When I'm Nervous'. We have a little clash of styles in the last pairing. 'Not Looking For Love' represents a stab at being a little different, while 'Better Late Than Never' is back to the country roots.
Stacy Antonel comes across as an artist branching off without losing the knack. This San Diego-raised now Nashville-based artist did have some element of international presence with UK dates in 2020. Ok that got curtailed, but I'm sure the strength of ALWAYS THE OUTSIDER can help reclaim that mission if so desired. In the meantime an assured record guided by smoking' hot steel and some inventive twists and turns will keep fans both old and new happy.
