The Delines – Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom (El Cortez)
The Delines’ latest album Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of country soul, seamlessly weaving Willy Vlautin’s evocative narratives with soul-stirring melodies, poignant lyrics, and Amy Boone’s deeply expressive vocals. This album enriches the traditions of Americana, showcasing the band’s powerful and moving blend of musical storytelling.
Willy Vlautin, celebrated for his work with Richmond Fontaine, and for his solo music, novels, and short stories, has further refined his ability to craft compelling stories into songs. The lush, atmospheric soundscapes of The Delines heighten the impact of his storytelling prowess, and Amy Boone’s voice adds emotional depth, making each track into a vividly painted short story.
The album begins with Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom, setting an intimate stage with its somber melody for a tale of fleeting intimacy between two flawed characters. The standout lines, “They wear out every mattress in every room,” encapsulate their restless, transient love, delivered over a melancholic alt-country backdrop that frames Boone’s rich, soulful voice, drawing the listener deep into the characters’ world.
In Her Ponyboy, the narrative of nomadic, tragic romance is underscored by sparse piano notes and a light snare drum beat. This minimalistic instrumentation contrasts sharply with Boone’s hauntingly beautiful delivery of the heart-wrenching lines like, “She fell asleep to the clanging and woke up outside of Klamath Falls.” This is masterful musical storytelling, where less is often more, allowing the poignant lyrics to resonate deeply with the audience.
Left Hook Like Frazier references Vlautin’s interest in boxing and the lively, upbeat music, is juxtaposed with a heavy narrative of despair, reflecting on the complexity of toxic relationships.
Sitting On The Curb is a slow-burning blues track that crescendos into a tale of betrayal and revenge. Boone’s smoky vocals, combined with the chilling lyrics “You’re with her and I’m sitting here watching as you burn our house down,” make this song a standout for its emotional intensity and musical buildup.
There’s Nothing Down The Highway delves into themes of escapism and regret with a rolling rhythm and spoken vocals that enhance the stark imagery of the lyrics “Behind her, wolves were chasing / Guilt and regret riding on their backs.” This creates a brooding atmosphere that is both cinematic and reflective.
In the rhythmic, jazz-infused Don’t Miss Your Bus Lorraine, the character, Lorraine, is trying to restart her life, but the world is against her “A felon ain’t supposed to make it.” This is a poignant reflection on change and societal norms. The warnings for Lorraine get more dire in the brief, haunting final track Don’t Go into that House Lorraine, which concludes the album with a sense of foreboding.
Across the album, the brass and string arrangements flesh out the country soul sound to provide a musical counterpoint to the lyrical storytelling, offering a nuanced perspective as the characters struggle with past mistakes and societal changes.
With Vlautin’s storytelling, Boone’s resonant vocals, and the band’s sophisticated soundscapes, The Delines have crafted a compelling album that immerses you in these stories of those left behind and on the edges of American society. Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom offers more than superb music; it provides poignant commentary on the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of America’s societal landscape. It leaves you wondering how such sublime and deeply moving music can arise from narratives of hardship and resilience.
John Bradbury
The Delines – Mr. Luck & Ms. Doom is out now
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