California native artist Sam Stoane released her debut album, “Tales of the Dark West“, on May 23th, via Cloverdale Records. It was produced by Patrick Lyons, who is well-known for his work with Colter Wall, Vincent Neil Emerson, Noeline Hofmann or Josh Meloy.
“Tales of the Dark West” is an authentic western style album, full of country and folk songs, with wonderful storytelling. This would be enough for a high quality record, but what makes it truly exceptional is Sam Stoane’s unique voice, that instantly stirs our emotions.
After a short introduction, that perfectly lays the musical foundation for a western-style album, “Coyote Cries“, cowritten with Austin Plaine, is an excellent start, with its acoustic guitar and subtle harmonica.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem of the record, check out “Close to You“. Wonderful pedal steel, masterful songwriting, and Sam Stoane’s beautiful voice combine perfectly, and the result is an outstanding song, perfectly representative of the album’s refined and authentic style.
“Tehachapi“, cowritten by Sam Stoane with Austin Plaine and Maddie Lenhart, is another gem, very catchy, with great fiddle and guitar, as is the up-tempo “Calico Coal“, cowritten with Colin Healy and Maddie Lenhart, with excellent fiddle.
“Dead Man’s Alley“, cowritten by Sam Stoane with Savannah Kasay and Will Pattat, is also an outsanding song, excellently written, with perfect instrumentation, including pedal steel and fiddle, and wonderful production.
“When My Time Comes“, a folk-style song cowritten by Sam Stoane with Patrick Lyons and Colin Haley, with excellent acoustic guitar, “Pretty Poppies“, an excellent murder ballad, “A Good Horse and a Good Dog“, with great harmonica and acoustic guitar, “Diesel” and “Cologne” are all excellent songs.
The album also includes two covers, an excellent version of Gene Autry’s song “Back inthe Saddle Again” and an amazing version of “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues“.
As a debut album, “Tales of the Dark West” is particularly impressive. Sam Stoane made a cohesive and old-style country record with a strong western style. Its songs, authentic and perfectly written, are sustained by high quality music, great instrumentation, brilliant production and, of course, Sam Stoane’s wonderful voice. This LP is a true gem.
Nicolas Davelu
Country Music France 