"I guess the theme of the record is just 'get wrecked in love - and be loved'" says Texan born singer-songwriter Amanda Shires.
Besides comments like this she is reluctant to say too much about the inspiration for the eleven songs on her fourth album. All are originals except for a cover version of Barbara Keith's Detroit Or Buffalo.
Her words are rich in poetic metaphors and symbolism but you can pick up the feelings behind the songs quite easily The wistful and emotionally fragile mood is enhanced by the slight vibrato in her voice.
Amanda grew up in Lubbock and currently lives in Nashville. She has toured with Jason Isbell and Justin Townes Earle. She sings, whistles and plays fiddle and ukulele.
Her backing musicians include co-producers Rod Picott and David Henry plus Neal Casal on guitar and harmony vocals. Several tunes feature beautiful string arrangements, for example on back to back tracks Sloe Gin and Kudzu.
Heartache and isolation figure prominently throughout but the recurring message is one of hope and seeing things in perspective.
Ghost Bird draws comfort from the realisation that others are in the same boat: "we're all running from the same things - broken hearts, broken homes the tired and the loneliness".
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Honesty is chosen as the best means to stay afloat on Swimmer "I say I don't care but I'm a liar, look how easy a heart can catch on fire"
Love hurts however brave a face you put on things but as she sings on Bees In The Shed : "sure it stings for a minute but it all goes by".
Melodrama and black humour blend for the standout track When You Need A Train It Never Comes which features lovely fiddle playing.
The fact that the final track is entitled Lovesick I Remain means that she hasn't given up on affairs of the heart just yet.
This is good news if it results in more albums of this high quality.
Amanda Shires' Website
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