Mountains/Forests - JT Nero Album Review

JT Nero

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Album Review

The first powerful impression I got of this album is the well-balanced, perfect harmonies of JT Nero and Allison Russell. Although under Nero's name it is pretty much an album of soulful, country duets between the two. It's an edgy collection of 'mountain gospel, street corner doo-wop, classic soul'.

The album was recorded over a few days in a cabin in Wisconsin in the States. Therefore it's real, raw, innocent almost naked in truth. The duo have been long-term friends and musical collaborators but this is a side project for the two. Nero has his own group and Russell sings in 'Po Girl'

As for the music, tracks that stick out include 'Mi Salvador What's Happin' which is both charming and stimulating. It's got a real Rod Stewart feel, a throwback to his 70's era, gently progressive. I'm very keen on 'Grey Ghost' and also 'North Star', which is a nice engaging track, held tightly together by their backing band. A band, which is more or less made up of Nero's other project, JT Nero and The Clouds.

Having listened to it a few times I was feeling the album was all a bit samey but after a couple more days with it on in the background, I found myself loving it more and more. It's delicately simple and it has certainly grown on me. The persistence was definitely worthwhile.

A mini tour at a few of our more obscure and intimate venues in the UK is to kick off in November. Maybe worth a pint and a listen if you are nearby.

Mat Radbourne