Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dylan LeBlanc is set to release his new album ‘Coyote’ this month which is the follow-up to LeBlanc’s 2019 record ‘Renegade’. The album is a character-driven adventure with Coyote, a man with demons who is on the run is both a semi-autobiographical and a concept album, chronicling a man who lives dangerously, always on the edge. Coyote himself is trapped in the criminal underworld of Mexico. As he struggles to find a way out of his treacherous lifestyle, he is tormented by his past, enduring the pain and regret of lost love and a life wasted. Finding his way towards redemption and freedom, Coyote is confronted by the essence of human nature, materialism, and the inherent desire for more. As the story reaches its peak, he sees himself at a perilous crossroad in Los Angeles, leaving listeners in suspense about his fate.
The album opens with the title track which introduces us to and narrates Coyote’s journey across the border, a gentle offering which has a kind of Americana-tinged texture. We have a fairly thoughtful reflective number in ‘Closin’ In’` which deliberates on where the protagonist is today and those he left behind.
‘Dark Waters’ is a kind of dreamscape in which the storyteller is looking to break the chains that bind him to his criminal ties, a fairly mesmerising listen. We have a fairly cinematic feel on ‘Dust’ with what sounds like a string arrangement running throughout the piece with an almost tangible ache in the vocal delivery, a real soul-searching composition.
‘Forgotten Things’ muses on somebody close from his recent past. A faster moving number with brushed drum, keys and strings adding a poignancy to this contemplative piece. There`s appears to be a reacquaintance with his former love on ‘No Promises Broken’ with an outpouring of happiness which the musical backing seems to mirror.
‘Stranger Things’ is a love song with reassurances that all will be well long term as long as the participants have faith. A pretty wistful orchestrated submission. The narrator recognises on ‘Hate’ that there is still that hostility and loathing deeply ingrained within him, but he has seemingly been able to suppress it. There`s a captivating guitar solo shared in the last minute or so.
‘Wicked Kind’ touches on substance abuse/addiction and has a fairly foreboding haunting texture. A melancholic echoey vibe runs through ‘Telluride’ which may well be about looking or seeking redemption or forgiveness. There`s a wonderfully heartbreaking guitar chord riff running across this number.
‘Human Kind’ is a piano driven, thoughtful, atmospheric slow burn whereas ‘The Crowd Goes Wild’ has an oddly funky rhythm with some intricate string arrangements sprinkled throughout.
‘The Outside’ brings the story up to date and is a mid-paced offering reflecting on where our guide has come and what possibly lies ahead but it`s left to us, the listener to decide the character`s ultimate fate.
`Coyote` is a character-driven album or put another way a concept album, which tend to be pretty marmite, you either like them or you don`t. Here there are some subtle differences as the release appears to mirror some aspects of the artists own life. It`s an absorbing listen, and I have to admit that Dylan Leblanc has an extraordinary vocal range that summons up a variety of emotions on this journey. The album was brought to life with the help of some exceptional musicians with drummer Fred Eltringham (Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow), pianist Jim “Moose” Brown (Bob Seger), and bass player Seth Kaufman (Lana Del Rey). Dylan`s brother James Leblanc also chipped in on various instruments along with Laura Epling (violin), Austin Hoke (cello), Eleanore Denig (viola), and the Secret Sisters (vocals).
Dylan Leblanc could have just rested on his laurels and put out another album that would have been regally praised but has chosen to venture into unchartered waters with `Coyote` and for me it was a risk worth taking.
Rating 8.5 /10
