Digging through the digital dirt in search of gold is both fun and frustrating. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a leisure activity—like gardening was for my folks—but, when coupled with the demands of this blog, sometimes feels like work. This is my 198th post of this year, for instance, with 168 of those spotlighting albums, EPs or singles. As much enjoyment as I’ve found unearthing finds, as the year has progressed—especially of late—many of the first plays left me pondering what to say beyond, “It’s great!” Or even if I should say anything at all.
To return to the digging metaphor: On Saturday my virtual shovel clanged against a buried treasure chest—the debut EP from Australian country singer-songwriter Tyla Rodrigues. As per the norm, though the collection wasn’t released until last month, she began releasing the songs that form Upon Reflection over a year ago; I stumbled upon it on Saturday via “Heart, Don’t Fail Me Now,” which was included on Apple Music’s weekly New Music Mix. The EP is a remarkable set of traditional country.
“Way Out West” tackles the proverbial ghosts that linger long after a relationship has ended; it sports the feel of a song that’s been around forever and a day, just about. She describes it as “a sweet country song about outrunning the memory of someone you used to know.” The moody “Straight Outlaw,” on the other hand, is an ornery ode about being spurned; that she wrote it in about 30 minutes is crazy.
“Wish I Would,” which she cowrote with Briana Dinsdale, ups the tempo a tad while skewering those who haven’t been supportive of her dreams. The gentle “If Walls Could Talk,” on the other hand, basks in memories remembered and forgotten, while wishing not to let more fade away. “Heart, Don’t Fail Me Now” features fellow Aussie country singer Blake O’Connor, who cowrote it; like the other songs here, it echoes 1970s-era country music. The EP closes with “I Believe in Roses,” written by Dinsdale, Sarah Buckley and Molly Buckley, in which she yearns for an old-school cowboy romance.
All in all, it’s a terrific EP that traditional country fans are sure to enjoy. I do, at least. My only gripe is I wish it was twice as long!
The Old Grey Cat 