Reviews

The Waymores’ Stone Sessions

Posted by on April 23, 2022 at 7:21 pm


By Brian Rock

The Waymores know way more about honky tonking then you ever will. Their full-length debut, Stone Sessions, shows off that vast knowledge with ringing guitars, weeping pedal steel, and a Buck-load of glorious, old school country rhythms. The duo of Willie Heath Neal and Kira Annalise trade vocals and the occasional insult like Cash & Carter and Jones & Wynette in their prime.

“Heart Of Stone,” comes galloping in on an untamed, instantly catchy guitar riff. Neal breaks in with his husky baritone singing, “You’ve got a heart of gold. My heart is darker than night, my heart is blacker than coal.” Annalise answers back, singing, “You’ve got a heart of stone. My heart shines like a light in a real bad storm.” Telling the timeless tale of a good-hearted woman falling for a hard-hearted man, The Waymores twist the story by adding a happy ending. The lively rhythm and major chords give a sense of optimism and hope of beating the odds. Since Neal and Annalise have now been together for thirteen years, the optimism in the song is well warranted.

The honky-tonk party rolls on with the percussive, two step worthy, “Even When.” A post-breakup assertion of independence; the song’s lyrics belie a deeper, unspoken attachment. But the music bounces merrily along indicating a mind and heart at odds with each other. “I Don’t Like The Liquor,” “Road Worn,” “Bat S**T Crazy,” “When I’m Gone,” and “Roll That Chain,” are all rollicking, barroom honky-tonk at its boot-scooting best. Each of these songs contain strong elements of the Bakersfield sound with the occasional hint of Texas Swing or Mersey Beat in the background. Slowing the tempo, the Waymores prove they can create slow dance worthy songs on the ballads, “Die Right Here,” and “Caught;” the latter of which features countrypolitan legend, Dale Watson and a healthy dose of forlorn fiddle. Whether shedding tears or throwing back beers, The Waymores are way more fun than a road side bar at happy hour.

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Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

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