Halfway through “Keys To Kentucky” is the unashamed, good-time country pop of “Picnic Table”—and in its chorus, it says this: “We ain’t trying to change the world, leave it lighter than we found it,” and the more you think about it, the more that is the vibe of the whole thing.
That said, “High And Lonesome” is perhaps more traditional country than you associate with Everette. There’s a real bluegrass tinge to its title track, for sure.
The beauty of the pair, who first came to our attention a couple of years ago, is how gentle they are. How content it sounds, and I’d contend that it’d be impossible to be cross when you listen to the title track. One of those songs that you can only imagine does the Kentucky Tourist Board no harm at all, and maybe, as I’ve said before, is part of the appeal of the duo who describe themselves as “good buddies.” They feed into the “somewhere in Middle America” thing.
“…Kentucky” though, is a really interesting collection because if you delve deeper into it, the content isn’t like the usual. “No Vacancy” is – for all its gentle nature – a pretty vitriolic attack on the pace of change, and if “Trippin’” is a three-minute pop song, then it’s a bit more psychedelic than you’d expect. They save the best for last, though. There are tinges of Eric Church on “Another Man Down,” but the way it goes through the horrors and cost of drug addiction to families is astonishing.
“Keys To Kentucky,” captures the essence of good-time country pop while addressing deeper themes through its Lyrics. The music blends traditional country sounds with modern influences, creating an engaging and thoughtful collection of songs.
In a crowded market, “Keys To Kentucky” makes itself heard by simply being really, really good.
Rating: 8.5/10
REVIEW: EVERETTE – KEYS TO KENTUCKY (2024)
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