Album Review: Della Mae, ‘Headlight’
When Della Mae decided to name themselves after a woman who shows up in bluegrass songs as the frequently derided and abused wife or girlfriend, they dedicated their career to speaking on behalf of women and girls. In fact, they have done this around the world, as roving ambassadors sent by the State Department to locales worldwide.
Now, with their latest release, Headlight (Rounder Records), the band chooses not to provide release from the dominant culture of the past few years, but rather to dig deeply into the reality of being female in America. Whether musing about a missing lover (“I Like It When You’re Home”) or paying tribute to brave women like Christine Blasey Ford (“Headlight”), they explore womanhood with integrity and grace, warts and all.
While Headlight’s message is righteous, the songwriting is also some of the group’s finest yet. “The Odds of Getting Even” is so good, you’ll swear it’s already a country classic. The two songs for which the band is joined by the McCrary Sisters, “It’s About Time” and “Working,” have a solid gospel groove and lyrics full of determination, empowerment, and optimism.
“First Song Dancer” is a twangy bop sure to fill a festival dance floor or two this summer. “Wild One” reboots the image of the country girl gone wild, refusing to apologize, leaning on assertive lyricism (“I could kick your ass with heels on”) and Kimber Ludiker’s flaming fiddle solos.
Speaking of flaming instrumentals, there’s the dance hall charmer “Peg Monster,” led by Ludiker’s exquisite, award-winning chops. Before long, she’s trading with Celia Woodsmith’s warm guitar and Jenni Lyn Gardner’s lightning mandolin. If you still thought all this band could do was turn a phrase on the strength of Woodsmith’s vocals, here’s the reminder that they can also play the heck out of an instrumental jam.
My only complaint: Even at 12 tracks, it all feels over too soon. Press play and listen again. Headlight is a trusty musical antidote for our times.
Headlight is available via Rounder Records at Apple Music and Amazon.
FEB 7 FRI
Cayamo Cruise
Miami, FL, United States
FEB 8 SAT
Cayamo Cruise
Miami, FL, United States
FEB 9 SUN
Cayamo Cruise
Miami, FL, United States
FEB 10 MON
Cayamo Cruise
Miami, FL, United States
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Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom & Cervantes’ Other Side
w/ Cris Jacobs Band; Jon Stickley Trio
Denver, CO, United States
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WinterWonderGrass – Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, CO, United States
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WinterWonderGrass – Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, CO, United States
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WinterWonderGrass – Steamboat
Steamboat Springs, CO, United States
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The Sinclair
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Cambridge, MA, United States
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Port City Music Hall
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Portland, ME, United States
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Back Porch Bluegrass
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City Vineyard
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Ambrose West
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Asheville, NC, United States
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The Reeves Theater & Cafe
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Elkin, NC, United States
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Charleston Pour House
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Charleston, SC, United States
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Modlin Center for the Arts
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