As a genre that places great store on authenticity and the past, the current vogue in country for the latest generation of new traditionalists such as Sam Outlaw, Kacey Musgraves, Sturgill Simpson (new album next week) and now Cale Tyson is as unsurprising as it is welcome.
In 2014, Rolling Stone described Texas-born Tyson as "Old school, sad-bastard outlaw country". But though this 25-year-old with a seasoned Nashville twang taps into country's rich heritage, he is much more than the energetic sum of his influences.
Some will hear George Jones, others Gram Parsons, Lyle Lovett, even a young Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson but this impressive debut album – his previous collection merged two EPs – also burns with country soul, swings and rocks with stylish strings, lonesome steel and a sureness of touch.
Essential viewing at Kilkenny Roots this month.
