It’s been five years since the Portland, Oregon based five-piece The Delines released their acclaimed debut Colfax, and now they are back with their latest, The Imperial. The five-year hiatus was mostly due to vocalist Amy Boone (Damnations, TX) being struck by a car while walking in Austin, Texas which broke both her legs, requiring several major surgeries and time to recover. Despite the traumatic ordeal, Boone and the band are back in fine form on The Imperial, weaving tales of down-and-out characters dealing with heartbreak, bleak circumstances, hope and resilience into a gorgeous country soul album. Notable tracks include: the moving drinking song “Cheer Up Charley”; the country-soul ballad “Let’s Be Us Again”; the somber “Holly the Hustle”; the low-lit tale self-destruction “Where Are You Sonny?”; the minimal emotive gem “Roll Back My Life”; the beautiful weeper “He Don’t Burn For Me”; and the gorgeous closing track “Waiting on the Blue.” The Delines’ The Imperial is a melancholic and stunningly beautiful album. The Imperial is definitely a contender for my top albums of 2019. – Written by JFelton
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