American troubadour Tim Easton re-establishes a status of current recording artist with a brand new album moulded to match the ideals of those who drool over top notch folk-Americana song writing. Assisted by the capable hands of esteemed Oklahoma label Black Mesa Records, FIND YOUR WAY acts as a compass to navigate the buzzing mind of someone heeding a call to entertain through song. Easton is never too far away from new material with 17 albums surfacing across a 30-year career. Location frequently fires the imagination to fill the content. Numerous places across Europe and North America have been home for this wandering soul with the Canadian city of Victoria being core to the new record. Under the guidance of Canadian Leeroy Stagger (a past favourite here when he focussed on the UK), Easton gifts ten tightly crafted tracks inducing serious listening and critical enjoyment.
The album can be interpreted in two halves. The first five tracks are generic in style. The title number starts at the location of 'the corner of Trinity and 41' pointing the arrow of the album's direction. 'Find Your Way' is followed by a reassuring message spilling out of 'Everything You're Afraid Of' as Easton spins a laudable web of words. Kindness vibes ooze out of 'Here for You' before the character song 'Jacqueline' triggers a pondering thought. The 'q' in the name is in the pronunciation, something curiously never heard before. A minor note not detracting from a fine song. The first half ends on a telling high with the non-autobiographical 'Little Brother' addressing addiction in a song bestowed with deep feeling in the lyrics. Place wise, we venture out east to Bangor Maine for the setting.
A stylistic feature of the record is the definable sounds found in the second half. We kick off in blues mode for 'Bangin' the Drum (Inside My Head)' from intro through to its earthy conclusion. 'Arkansas Twisting Heart' possesses more than a hint of rock n' roll as a groovy road song sets out its store. The road and a rocking backbeat conjures effect to 'Dishwasher's Blues' evoking a country sound solidified by the appearance of fiddle in the latter stages. A cowboy folk love ballad could describe 'What Will It Take' as Easton prepares the way for a fitting finale. 'By the End of the Night' is arguably the most memorable song on the album with its simple infectious sentiment. You can envisage this song having a previous life as a 50s-60s pop ditty - catchy and weepy.
Throughout its procession, this amenable collection of songs gets the Easton gravelly road worn vocal treatment. A fitting trait offering credence and a sense of heartfelt authority.
Tim Easton is an artist that may at times pass quickly along your listening conveyor belt. Bets are off that pausing for a moment to absorb his work will enrich any musical passage. Dig deep into his catalogue or just sample the fine wares in FIND YOUR WAY to discover a literary magnet wrapped in fine musicianship.