Dean Owens is one the most innovative and explorative musicians around. Championed by the UK Americana scene merely scratches the surface. His previous eleven albums have flirted with many musical facets from straight up country infused folk to sweeping brass-led cinematic sounds capturing the spirit of south-west USA and its border influences. A constant underpin is perceptive songwriting spun from personal and observational themes. SPIRIT RIDGE adds another dimension with a strong Italian input through working alongside acclaimed producer Don Antonio and recording it in the hills of Emilia Romagna. The result is a tantalising album that courts the listener with creative clarity while diving deep into sonic alliances and decorating personal messages with fetching tunes.
The precursor for this album was a trio of EP releases in 2024 incorporating demos, floor cuttings and preview pieces. Whatever the merits of this commercial activity, there is no substitute for a fully fledged release and the twelve-track perpetual mini-epic meets an active listener halfway with lashings of musical artistry and a sprinkling of alluring hooks.
For the record, the introduction of performer and producer was enabled by John Convertino of Calexico, and borrowed sounds from that band's armoury feature prominently to infill the desert theme. What probably differentiates this from the bulk of the back catalogue is a panoramic breadth and added dynamism culminating in a couple of high class groovin' numbers even with club credentials.
Anchoring the record is a funky feel to 'Burn It All' showing an alternative light on Owens' musical direction. Lyrically, it hones in on a theme of the displaced and dispossessed. Pushing this track close in the groove stakes is the similarly catchy 'Light This World'. Both these focal songs could have a lease of life away from the clutches of SPIRIT RIDGE. The third pick from an early listen is the more homely and reflective 'My Beloved Hills', where the brass really takes hold. Amongst the Italian and Tex-Mex flavourings you are never far from the central belt of Scotland. It wouldn't be a Dean Owens album without it.
The latter track is third in the running order after 'Eden is Here' opening followed by a minute-long instrumental 'Spirito'. Spirit is whatever language is embedded into the record's soul. We are informed that 'eden' refers to Crinale where the record was made. The start is more scene setting than ear grabbing, and to briefly refer to a moment where things are perhaps not fully grasped is the fuzzy sound attached to 'The Buzzard and the Crow'. Passing on this effort early on doesn't impede the wealth of the entity.
Another reference to the animal world works a lot better in 'Face the Storm (The Buffalo)' where a mesmeric slow plodding beat mirrors that of the beast in question moving slowly through the snow. A exemplary case of mood matching the lyric.
The remaining five tracks beef up the album's rear. 'Tame the Lion' is a wonderful closer bringing the story of Owens' lion taming- Italian based great great grandfather to life within a constant spiritual theme of always feeling a presence. 'The lion tamer by my side' and 'walked with his ghost' capture this in the lyrics. The track ultimately seals the Italian-Scottish connection, while possessing a finely crafted groove. A couple of contrasting numbers in tempo are placed together with the mellow 'Sinner of Sinners' leading into the more upbeat 'Wall of Death'.
The melancholic 'A Divine Tragedy' was the last track to really click as opposed to the 'Spirit of Us'. This is actually an older song but an adorably uplifting quality proves a perfect fit. The standout lyric 'the spirit of us will never die' encapsulates the message embedded in the album.
SPIRIT RIDGE is a cross cultural connection. Collaborative and immersive to the core while satisfyingly stimulating. Dean Owens' ambitious approach buoyantly unwraps a delightful meaningful record, both tender and invigorating in places.
