West of Texas - Heartache, Hangovers & Honky Tonks (2021)

An album delayed in the making by around 12 years ; it’s been a long wait but very much worth it for fans of traditional country music.
The attention to detail throughout is sublime, right from the staged narrative photo on the cover, in the tradition of Country album covers from the time periods that these Classic sounds emanate to the thematic and musical diversity and unity heard on every track.
The title is almost a checklist of what to expect – Heartache? It’s here – “Foolin’” “This fool” “Sign of a broken heart” are just three that tick that particular box. “Hangovers”? “My whiskey life” “Whatcha drinkin?’” – yep, all there – and Honky Tonks – well, if that’s not obvious, you’re not paying attention. Stylistically, this is no punches pulled, straight-ahead hardcore danceable Country Music.

None of that radio pop-rock guff – there’s pedal steel and Twang throughout; there’s even some Cajun rhythmic flavour – although not a Cajun accordion (pedantic Cajun accordion playing reviewer – sorry) on “Bayou Boy” and there’s a flavour of Merle Haggard too; on “Dead End Job Blues” and Western Swing on the aforementioned “Fixin’ to Love You”.

There’s low-down Twang on “You’re Still the One I Dream Of” which strays into early Mavericks territory and there’s a Dale Watson delivery and feel about “12 Steps to Drinkin.’” Zinn’s vocals are suitably a melodious baritone and at times have something of the Ray Benson about them. Despite all these influences, this album makes a wonderfully cohesive collection of lively and intelligent Country – and the occasional cussing gives it that extra Honky Tonk grit.