For the greater part of the 2010s, the Turnpike Troubadours were the dominant act in the indie-country music scene. With four classic red dirt albums, the crew from Oklahoma cemented themselves as titans in the industry and pioneers to young, independent-minded artists. Artists like Flatland Cavalry, Shane Smith and the Saints, and of course, Zach Bryan, cite Turnpike as one of their most significant influences. Turnpike brought new life and pride to the midwestern music scene, especially to their home state of Oklahoma.
The self-conscious, soft-spoken Evan Felker wrote and sang so many genre-defining songs of the decade, that there was a gaping hole in country music when he stepped away. In the four years, Turnpike was away, many speculated about who could fill their shoes as one of the most impactful country bands with real heart; while their influence across country music was immense, this band was one of one, inimitable in their chemistry and unshakable in their sincerity.
Fast forward to the present day, when the band is back together and finally recording music. Their fifth studio album ‘A Cat in the Rain’ was meant to be their big return back to independent stardom securing their destiny all over again as the undisputed independent band of the moment. When it was announced that Shooter Jennings would be producing their upcoming album, the news wasn’t met with applause; rather, most fans were left in concern and speculation for the future of the Turnpike Troubadours sound.
In the band’s first ten years, when Mike McClure and Evan Felker were in the producer’s chair, every melody always felt crisp and special. The majority of this album felt like recycled material from past albums. Unquestionably, there aren’t enough cool guitar riffs throughout the record as we’re used to from the band. Despite the circumstances, the expectations for this record were high; fans were hoping for some new Turnpike classics in the vein of “The Bird Hunters” or even “Tornado Warning.”
The sad reality is that there just aren’t a lot of standout songs here. In the past, many songs have had an exciting hook or a climactic build in the bridge. Few songs on this album have that same level of energy leaving the majority of the album to feel rather lackluster. But while many of the songs might not be as energetic, the writing is what continues to make them a premier act in the community. Evan Felker has always been able to share an incisive glimpse into his personal life through artful, euphemistic poetry.
Even so, this album sees the band look in other directions for their songs rather than Evan writing them all. Although not written by Felker, “Won’t You Give Me One More Chance,” written by Lee Clayton Trulove, is still right on-brand with the band’s sadder tendencies and serves as a suitable epilogue to the band’s last few years. Surprisingly enough, there weren’t many somber moments to this album, so this cut was an especially refreshing closer. “The Rut,” another standout, is one of those introspective songs that let you in on Evan’s inner monologue. He duels with his dark past with his heart set on eventually finding peace.
Kyle Nix’s ever-present fiddle is not to be ignored either. Across Turnpike’s storied career, Nix has revolutionized how the instrument plays a part in a contemporary country band, replacing the need for a lead guitar in some cases and always adding extra flavor to the song.
It’s really difficult to listen to this album and not be underwhelmed given the standard the band has set for themselves. However, at the same time, a true fan would not be remiss if not to acknowledge the circumstances the band has gone through and wonder if the group just doesn’t have the same artistic instincts they did six years ago. While the songwriting is definitely still some of the best in the game, it’s Shooter Jennings’s production that holds this album back. We just don’t get a hook as strong as “Every Girl” or “Good Lord Lorrie.”
During their time away, bands like Flatland Cavalry have taken up the torch and made some of the most interesting country music around today, thanks in large part to the influence of the Turnpike Troubadours. At this point, it’s fair to see Turnpike growing into a “legacy band” similar to older rock acts like Journey or Guns N’ Roses. They’ll always put butts in seats at their shows, but if they make a new record, fans know it won’t be quite the same.
7/10
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