Album Review: Blitzen Trapper 'All Across This Land'

Blitzen Trapper’s latest album, All Across This Land, releasing October 2nd via Lojinx Records, is a sweeping wave of warmth emanating from your speakers. It’s Americana-Rock that would equally be at home on a station playing Top 40, Americana or Outlaw Country. Front man Earley and bandmates Erik Menteer (guitar), Michael Van Pelt (bass), Marty Marquis (guitar/keys), Brian Adrian Koch (drums) undoubtedly draw from Dylan and the Eagles, among others, but there’s something here that’s all their own. There’s tight musicianship on a record that generously weaves a 70’s feel and bluesy guitar (on the title track) with rock and roll, Americana and folk on an album with songs relatable, introspective, full of reflection and wonder. There’s a nostalgic look at youth and romance on “Nights Were Made For Love” as well as "Mystery and Wonder” as he ponders “If we only had each other, mystery and wonder/Is there lightning without thunder?”

The thoughtful “Cadillac Road” tells the story of a man who stays in town long after there was nothing left while the touching "Across the River" is for anyone who knows loss. “Love Grow Cold” and the lovely “Even If You Don’t”   deal with love on the brink while Petty-esque "Rock and Roll (Was Made For You)" has rockin’ riffs, a catchy hook and…xylophone (!) on a song in which he sings “Rock n’ roll won’t ease your mind, but you’ll find it’ll ease your soul.” Amen. 

File under good music and give a listen.

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