Muscle Shoals singer/songwriter Dylan LeBlanc returns with his third Album, Cautionary Tale, which is released on 15th January. The album is a masterstroke from the 23 year old. There is a maturity about this record that really belies such a tender age, the acoustic led songs give you the feeling that they were recorded live there and then on each track.
A lovely variety of music, on listening, you could quite honestly be in Laurel Canyon on ‘Cautionary Tale' and 'Roll The Dice'. Leaving the canyon for the city on, 'Look How far Wev'e Come', Philly on ‘Beyond the Veil' and Greenwich Village on 'Lighting and Thunder' and 'Balance or Fall' and back to the canyon for album closer ‘Paradise’.
Overall the impact of the album is that Dylan himself is there sitting in front of you as he sings his songs. Cautionary Tale features Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) and is produced by John Paul White (Civil Wars) and Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes). Both guys also perform on the record as well.
'Paupers Field' was released in 2010 and it was 2012 for the follow up 'Cast The Same Old Shadow'. There has been time off the road and no doubt some life experiences in the intervening years that have been channeled into this new record. An album that really should see Dylan start to break into the Jonathon Wilson / Ryan Adams / Jason Isbell stratosphere of songwriters.
There is fine musicianship and beautifully subtle orchestration throughout this soothing record. We look forward to the live shows next.
Pete
10/11
