Album Review: The Bros. Landreth, ‘Let It Lie’

It’s a little hard to believe that the Bros. Landreth hail from Winnipeg, Manitoba, because of how well they carry the Southern rock mantle of the Allman Brothers on their debut album, ‘Let It Lie.’ Led by David and Joey Landreth, the foursome does an admirable job of copping a style and a sensibility foreign to their own environs. After all, the Manitoba prairie is a long way from the Mississippi delta.

But the Bros. Landreth get it done with the chunky groove of “Our Love,” the Dobro and harmonies of “Firecracker,” and the gritty blues of “I Am the Fool” and “Runaway Train.” When they turn it down a bit, songs like “Let It Lie” and “Greenhouse” are stark enough to put the frailty of Joey’s voice front and center. While it works well enough in those settings, it can’t quite get where it’s trying to go on some of the bolder cuts. Luckily, though, ‘Let It Lie’ is chock full of far gentler melodies and a much smoother approach than blues-rock bands usually chart.

Yes, these brothers draw from those other brothers, but that’s just a starting point. From there, they wander off into styles more reminiscent of bands like the Eagles, Gov’t Mule, Little Feat, and others. Heck, the melodic progression and vocal phrasing on “Tappin’ on the Glass” is right out of the Jackson Browne playbook. Even still, the Bros. Landreth meld it all into a sound that works for them… and pretty much anyone else who appreciates a solid roots-rock set. There’s just a whole lot to like about this record.

‘Let It Lie’ is out now on Slate Creek Records and is available – HERE.

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