Top Picks

The EP delivers a fresh take on contemporary country, blending traditional sounds with a modern twist. There’s something about the way that Barnes sings that speaks to influences from Britpop in a way, an Oasis twinge perhaps. The absolute standout track is the closer here; ‘Still Believe In Crazy Love’ captures Barnes’ ability to create a country anthem, mixed with a power ballad, the track is a tribute to remaining faithful to the idea of love. The guitar embellishments add the perfect amount of distance between the chorus and verses, the slow, steady drums create that anthemic feel and the harmonies (particularly in the bridge) are absolutely perfect, just before that classic guitar solo drops to bring us back to the pre-chorus, just in time for another air-grab.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

The Dutchman is back! With his blend of folk and bluegrass, Devries has always danced to his own tune. Kicking off the album is ‘Shadow Of A Man’, it’s a gentler prodding of the subject matter than an all-out critique of himself. That is, as ever with Devries, the music is still upbeat and dance-able, even when the topic is more morose. It’s a theme that continues throughout the work, Devries uses similar instrumentation, the banjo, ukulele, fiddle and acoustic guitar for every track. Overall, it gives the impression that Devries sounds exactly the same live as he does recorded. All through the record, Devries is audibly influenced by Bob Dylan’s earlier (and perhaps better) work. Standout tracks include the special ‘Angels In The Snow’ and the blues-rock ‘The Ballad Of Johnny and Ginny’.    Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

This was an unexpected album. Daly absolutely shines on this record, the lyricism and high-tension delivery of the opener ‘Ain’t Got A Cape’ is the perfect sad country track. Clearly taking some inspiration from his Americana peers, Daly rests on his talent, it creates space between his vocal line and acoustic guitar throughout the album. His tone is truly remarkable, soft but clear. There is also the exact right amount of both instrumentation and production on this record, Daly has a beautiful voice and it’s right that it gets the spotlight it does. Tracks like ‘Roots’ and ‘One Fake Tear’ highlight just how good a songwriter Daly is too. Much more on the acoustic and Americana side than a country album, for us, this is exquisite.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

Mix some Sheryl Crow and Shania Twain together and you get this track. Unabashedly tongue-in-cheek, ‘Cats Over Men’ isn’t just funny, it’s aimed as a political takedown. By the time the pre-chorus comes, the downstrokes of guitar build the track to its titular line: ‘Sorry, but it’s cats over men’. Witty rhymes like ‘my calico says you’ve got to go’ only add to the cat-themed enjoyment of this track. The track could have rested in the territory of lyrically amusing songs, but the instrumentation provides admirable and accomplished backing. The electric guitar lines could be ripped from a 90s Shania Twain track and James’ singing style has just the right dose of country and rock. A must-listen track if you’re a cat lady.    To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com