Born in Alaska and now a resident of Tampa Bay REBEKAH PULLEY is an estimable singer/songwriter who expands on her country template with a strong injection of Rock that draws comparisons to The Cowboy Junkies and Maria McKee’s old honchos Lone Justice. Backed by a loose limbed and agile backing band, The Reluctant Prophets, she is able to expand her roots/country core into cross genre territories that gives her songs and powerful voice breathing space.
While tracks like ‘Lesser of Two Evils’ and the Zeppelin influenced ‘Too Far Gone’ soar in their electric surroundings her lighter moments, in particular ‘Room For Two’ and ‘So Sorry’ draw you in with their slow burning acoustic reverie that compares more than favourably with Ryan Adams. On ‘Water Into Wine’ her soulful vocal performance is so good she could well be the female Ray LaMontagne. The autobiographical ‘Real World’ is a splendid showcase track that effortlessly builds and grows into a life-affirming performance of genuine emotion and lyrical poignancy.
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The Ray LaMontagne parallels can also be seen in the presence of producer Steve Connolly who, like Ethan Johns, has contributed additional colours to the musical palette with some exceptional pedal and electric guitar work that give vibrancy and depth to the album’s structure. While these are PULLEY’s songs his influence is palpable.
Still, these are very, very good songs that like true pearls throw out a different light on repeated visits and increase in value with each assessment.
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