Bourbon Hymns could only be an Americana album. From the title to the cover photography – a desert scene, complete with cactus trees a telegraph line stretching into the endless horizon – gives no indication that Fine Lines hail from Cheshire. But Americana comes from just about everywhere and if the album presentation is authentic American roots, so is the music.
Fine Lines are a six-piece band. Zoe Blythe and Dave Boardman are the two vocalists. Mostly, but not exclusively, Dave takes lead vocals with Zoe backing. Dave also plays guitar and is the main tunesmith. Jim Broughton plays bass; Emily Doggett is on Fiddle and Gary O’Brien plays keyboards. Mark Ratcliffe is the drummer and also the main lyricist. Bourbon Hymns is their fourth album and is both a retrospective and a home for new songs. Four songs from each of the previous albums are included along with two new compositions.
Among their influences, Fine Lines list Bob Dylan, Gramm Parsons, and Bruce Springsteen. There’s definitely a touch of Springsteen about the opener ‘On the Town,’ with its rocky tempo, softened a little by some good fiddle playing. The lyrics tell of a wanderer heading for home, and those opposing forces – the lure of the road and the pull of home – are common themes here. ‘Forget About You,’ is a gentler love song, sung as a duet by Zoe and Dave.
The first single from the album follow. ‘This Little World,’ is an upbeat track on which the excitement of the road has the upper hand. Not for the first time, a Hammond organ sound gives extra Americana authenticity. On ‘Del Rio’ that’s achieved by a steel pedal guitar, played by guest musician Chris Lee. This is a gentler road song with Zoe taking lead vocals.
We’re back to the harder country-rock on ‘The Island.’ It’s an optimistic song about travel and new horizons. This optimism contrasts with the melancholy reflections on life in ‘The Homesick Café.’ ‘Feet Don’t Touch the Ground’ is a tale of lost love, with a good, high tempo tune.
‘Meet me at Kicki’s,’ is a standout track for me. The tune is driven by some fine fiddle playing by Emily, and has a strong contra dance vibe – there’s even a yeehaw thrown in. The contra dance feel is further enhanced by the call and reply style lyrics, sung by Zoe and David. After a couple of sad songs, the lyrics here have a mischievous joyfulness – “Meet me at Kicki’s let me lead you astray.” Yeehaw indeed!
Another good, but very different, track follows. ‘Who’s The Up There (With The Lights On)’ has bluesy touches, with some good lilting guitar and Hammond organ. The lyrics speak of the uncomfortable memories and regrets that disturb many a night’s sleep. This melancholy reflectiveness contrasts with the country-rock rhythm and upbeat lyrics of ‘King Of The Three Streets.’ ‘Begging You’ is another enjoyable track, with some good tinkling, honkytonk piano from Gary and a strong lead vocal performance by Zoe.
Some albums become more upbeat as the end approaches, but Bourbon Hymns concludes with a trio of melancholy tracks. ‘Stay’ is a sad song about a dying relationship. On ‘Buy the World a Drink,’ a troubled soul reflects on life, and booze. It’s another stand out track for me, with a gentle, paired down feel and good contributions from fiddle, piano and pedal steel. Another troubled soul is drowning his sorrows in ‘When the Wine You Love (Does Not Love You).’ Unfortunately, the effect of the alcohol is becoming the reverse of what he wants. Despite similar subject matter, this is set apart from its predecessor by its harder tune, with good driving guitar. It’s got enough impact to work as the album finale.
Bourbon Hymns is a very listenable album. Fine Lines are a new band for me, and I’m impressed by their musicianship and the assured songwriting of David and Mark. The lyrics don’t have powerful social commentary of the like of Dylan and Springsteen, but their reflections on life are intelligent and feel authentic. Fans of Americana, particularly country-rock, who’ve not yet discovered Fine Lines should definitely check them out.
Graham Brown
Artists’ website: https://wearefinelines.com/
‘King Of The Three Streets’ – official video:
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