The Grahams - Glory Bound (Deluxe) (2015)

The Grahams are New York-based husband-and-wife duo Doug and Alyssa Graham, who made their debut in 2013 with Riverman's Daughter, a thematic collection of country and roots rock songs inspired by a trip down the Mississippi River's historic Great River Road. On their 2015 follow-up Glory Bound, they've taken a similar conceptual tack, focusing their artistic efforts this time on the great American railways. As with their previous venture down the Mississippi, they sought an authentic, hands-on experience and, following in the footsteps of heroes like Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly, took several of their own train trips for inspiration, meeting up with potential producers along the way. After connecting with producer Wes Sharon (John Fullbright, Parker Millsap), The Grahams set up camp at his studio in Norman, Oklahoma and with the prairie as their backdrop, recorded 12 tracks that attempt to capture the spirit of the railroad's heyday. Behind Alyssa's powerhouse voice, the songs run the gamut from old-time country and folk to barroom blues and gospel, all with an appropriately Western feel. Songs that blend in some personal detail, like the Band-esque "The Wild One" and the rumbling title cut, are effective enough and ably played, but the more overtly themed tracks, like the fast-pickin' hoedown "Kansas City" and the country gospel-themed "Promised Land" feel a little too theatrical for their own good. As historically well-intentioned and musically talented as The Grahams are, there's something about Glory Bound that seems too staged and eager to please. They may have covered all of the appropriate musical styles and techniques for their Americana opus, but the songwriting just isn't strong enough to make this type of project feel authentic or believable.