The forthcoming LP from singer-songwriter Brian Revels, Jasper County Blues, is a collection of stories set between the opening of saloon doors and the desperation of last call. Alongside a hotshot band dubbed the Heat Lightning, Revels draws from folk, blues, country, and bluegrass to create songs populated by complex characters with mixed motivations. Today, we’re excited to premiere the first song from the album.
On “Don’t Wanna Learn This Lesson,” Revels showcases his ability to spin elaborate tales and work through every angle of a verse. “Yeah, I got a broken heart but I got an open tab / I’ll be broke again tomorrow but I’m flushed right now,” he sings in a voice that recalls the reckless fire-in-the-gut energy of pre-sobriety Jason Isbell. But Revels isn’t quite done drawing out the themes of the song. “So I’m throwing all my pennies in, I’m drinking from the well / A friend to everyone here, and a stranger to myself,” he continues, shifting the emphasis from drunken doldrums to existential crisis. Musically the song is balanced nicely with troubadour train beat verses and rhinestone cowboy refrains.
Listen below.
Jasper County Blues will be released on May 30, 2020.
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