RYAN DAVIS AND THE ROADHOUSE BAND - New Threats From The Soul 2LP

Highly recommended.

More country than previous releases, Davis retains his "alt" status with all sorts of fascinating and unique choices.

As with all Ryan Davis records, the standout elements are the lyricism and the incredible sense of harmony. Detailing the former would take longer than anyone wants to read. You could essentially pull any line from this album and spend time thinking and talking about it. Lyrics like "It's a pissing competition between the man I am and the guy I was" highlight the overarching themes of maturation and change, how they don't happen automatically like many of us like to think, and the reasons for the above. There are also several lines that reflect a tendency in Davis's songwriting to effortlessly blend the "high" and the "low." I'm not sure I've landed on the right description for it, but here's an example off of Mutable Falls: "They say its something like a miracle when Dionysus hits the urinal." Writing the lyrics in isolation loses the magic of them in context, though. This album far exceeds the sum of its parts.

In terms of harmony and instrumentation, the record is fantastic, as well. Those familiar with State Champion and Ryan Davis will notice his characteristically interesting chord progressions and key changes that seem surprising on first listen and inevitable on the second. The record incorporates more synthetic elements that nonetheless feel perfectly organic with the structure of the compositions. Steel guitar plays a central role across the album and fits wonderfully into the sonic vibe of the album. There are a few surprising instruments, too: a Roland TB-303 (How does this work so well?), a tin whistle (I believe), and a what I think is a fixed filter bank effect help the album ride but not be enveloped by the conventions of country rock band instrumentation.

Overall, this is just a really unique and interesting album from a songwriter that only keeps getting better.

Album of the Year 2025 contender.