Lester Slade is a distinctively twangy artist who’s voice immediately makes you feel like you’re hearing a classic piece of country music. With his four piece group, he’s made a cohesive record in Burn Out Lightning that hosts a collection of delectably melodic piece of alternative country and folk for modern fans of the genre. But, at its core, Slade’s work still retains so much of what makes country music delightful for the everyday listener. The lovely acoustic work coupled with the jingly nature of most the tracks makes for an all around enthusiastic and jovial experience that you’d be smiling end to end throughout. Songs like ‘Good Luck’ and ‘Why Not Minot’ are able to put you in a mood to continually flourish and enjoy even the mundane.
While writing this, I’ve had a pretty awful day that didn’t seem to be getting much better at any point. But listening to this record had me thinking differently about everything around me. A tune like ‘Not The Greatest’, it’s self deprecating nature and Slade’s wholly emotive and expressive vocal performance just have you looking at the world in a more matured and understanding way. The electric guitar solo on the track, with such powerful verve and entrenched emotion is an essential part of the piece.
It’s not often that a modern country album is able to exude so much loveable energy and sincerity as Burnt Out Lightning has. Slade’s a powerful artist, one who’s strength lies in his ability to simply be himself on each and every track. There are slower ballads and more light hearted jingles across the record. Having a bit of everything, ‘Burnt Out Lightning’ just becomes a delightful listen from back to front.