With the advent of the covid pandemic singer/songwriter Kevin Morby had to stop preparations for another round of tour dates to promote last year’s excellent release Oh My God. In lieu of touring, Morby and producer Brad Cook (Hiss Golden Messenger, Brent Cobb) refocused on finishing on Sundowner, an album previously written in Kansas City in 2017 and later recorded at Sonic Ranch in Texas in 2019. Sundowner recalls the more relaxed and reflective qualities of Morby’s earlier albums. To quote Morby, Sundowner “feels increased melancholy during twilight hours” evoking rural middle American scenery alongside tender lyrical storytelling, twangy guitars, drums, and organ, making for a more stripped-down album than last year’s Oh My God release. Notable tracks include: the mellow opening track “Campfire”; the rollicking folk-rock tune “Valley”; the tender title-track; the sparse and rambling acoustic track “Don’t Underestimate Midwest American Sun”; the catchy harmonica-tinged tune “Wander”; the instrumental “Velvet Highway”; and the gentle closing track “Provisions.” Kevin Morby’s Sundowner is an unhurried, gentle, melancholy record that is filled with rich narratives and mellow arrangements culminating in some of his most captivating songs. – Written by JFelton
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