The Delines’ Mr. Luck and Ms. Doom marks a continued evolution of the Portland-based band’s signature sound: a blend of noirish country-soul that’s deeply rooted in storytelling. Fronted by Amy Boone’s hauntingly expressive voice and woven together by Willy Vlautin’s sharp songwriting, the album paints a vivid portrait of characters navigating the complexities of life, love, and loss. The title track, inspired by Vlautin’s novel The Horse, sets the stage with an unlikely love story, a refreshing departure from the darker, more tragic tales typically found in his songwriting. Mr. Luck, a failed criminal, and Ms. Doom, a house cleaner with a heavy heart, find solace in one another—an understated yet poignant love song that strikes a perfect balance between warmth and melancholy.
Yet, as one might expect from Vlautin, the romance doesn’t last long. Her Ponyboy revisits the doomed passion of youth, using the iconic character of Ponyboy Curtis from S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders as a reference point for a reckless young couple traveling across the country, their lives destined to be shaped by tragedy. This track blends a heartbroken nostalgia with a sense of inevitable loss, evoking a mood that will resonate with anyone familiar with the wistful tones of Americana and country music.
The album’s standout single, Left Hook Like Frazier, showcases the band at their most dynamic, propelled by Cory Gray’s vibrant trumpet and a driving rhythm. The song tells the story of a woman caught in the toxic cycle of love with a broken man, the title evoking the brutal emotional punches dealt by an abusive relationship. Its up-tempo groove offers a sharp contrast to the introspective, slower-paced tracks like Sittin’ on the Curb, a late-night lament for a love gone wrong, and There’s Nothing Down the Highway, a sparse, haunting meditation on resignation and regret.
The Delines also explore themes of systemic injustice, as heard in Don’t Miss Your Bus Lorraine, a hard-hitting narrative about a woman recently released from prison trying to find her place in a world that’s moved on without her. With a striking brass arrangement by Gray, the track encapsulates the album’s knack for marrying compelling, timely stories with emotionally charged music. Similarly, The Haunting Thoughts delves into the psyche of a woman battling anxiety, fear, and the suffocating weight of the world around her, while Boone delivers one of her most haunting performances yet.
With Mr. Luck and Ms. Doom, The Delines have crafted an album that’s both musically lush and narratively rich. Vlautin’s unmatched ability to write characters who feel real—flawed, searching, and profoundly human—is on full display, while Boone’s vocals bring these stories to life with a depth that pulls the listener into each song. The arrangements, highlighted by the thoughtful inclusion of brass, keyboards, and subtle yet powerful instrumentation, complement the storytelling perfectly, making this a record that demands to be heard in full. The Delines continue to prove themselves as masters of their craft, weaving together the kind of music that lingers long after the last note fades. – Jason Felton