Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
As fresh as the breeze that blows across the Isle of Wight to the south coast of Hampshire, Lou Kyme is another in the latest line of superb Americana artists to emerge from that particular part of the country.
Brought up by a father more in thrall to Hank Williams and Carl Perkins than by anything from these shores, it was rather inevitable that the soundtrack of the dusty and widescreen lands across the Atlantic would seep into her bones.
With a burgeoning talent for music, a family band was formed and the Okeh Wranglers headed out on the highways and byways, gaining some notoriety but never the level of fame they truly deserved.
It took a trip to Austin, Texas for the singer to realise her destiny, meeting with the legendary Chuck Prophet in the musical cradle of all that she held so dear in her heart.
Drinks and ideas were shared and souls joined in a meeting written in the stars that hung in the huge sky above them.
The result is ‘What’s the Worst that Could Happen’, an odyssey into the heartlands of all the elements that make the mix of Country, Folk and Rock so irresistible to millions across the globe.
The glorious ‘Oh Love’ is a bold opening statement, a wonderful mix of Imelda May style rockabilly with the grit and gravitas of Country’s finest, Johnny Cash.
Downhome blues played with joy and rocking up a hayseed storm, all soaked with a whisky and rye fueled groove.
A different path is taken on the gently swaying and heartfelt title track, its bittersweet edge showing the depth and maturity of the writing and setting Kymm up as an artist to watch.
Not the ‘Grease’ classic, but the similarly titled ‘You’re The Want I Want’ sees the record dipping its toes into some wonderfully late 1970’s pop rock territory and the gorgeous ‘No Man’s Land’ balladry will break your heart with its bone deep lyrics.
There is no fear shown here, as the Southerner spreads her wings yet again in another musical style as ‘I Don’t Care’ displays a 80’s Indie music feel, all attitude and unshakeable confidence.
With a deft bit of fretwork and some atmospheric accordion playing, road song ‘Let’s Drive’ sways and shimmers , whilst ‘Want You Back With Me’ brings us full circle to the rumbustious opening, a rock ‘n’ roll party that brings to mind the pure exhilaration of Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe’s Rockpile.
Whilst these disparate styles on the release may give the impression of an artist still finding her feet, it would be much fairer and accurate to see Kyme as someone who is both versatile and absolutely in thrall to music, her muse leading her wherever it wishes.
We look forward to seeing where she goes next, but until then we can soak up the unbridled joy of ‘What’s The Worst That Could Happen’. Her star in the ascendancy, Lou Kyme looks set to conquer both international stages and countless hearts.
Follow Lou Kyme on social media: https://www.facebook.com/loukymemusic
https://instagram.com/lou_kyme
