The first time we heard El Coyote was one of those “sit up and pay attention” moments. The branding might make you think of it as an indie rock outfit, but it’s actually a really fascinating country and Americana band. I love the honesty and sincerity that comes through with the sound. Let’s take a closer listen to the album.
“Come Around” has a timeless country feel to it. The twang on the steel guitar sets the mood while the male-female vocal balance is endearing. It’s about playing the long game on life, knowing that things don’t always work out in the small things but overall it will be okay. It’s a popular sentiment conveyed with a sweetness here.
“Only Temporary” feels like it was stolen right off of a jukebox in the early 60s. Flirting with a more conservative style in terms of the music, the lyrics plod right along with a sentimental feeling. At the heart of it, though, is this confrontation that life isn’t all that sweet… it’s quite fleeting, in fact. Do your best to make the most of it.
I enjoy the vibe and message on “Lighten Up Diane.” It reminds me of those memes about women of a certain age complaining to the manager. You know the ones. Anyways, the vocal on this one takes on much more of an alto lead, giving the song a unique texture. There’s a kind of Anne Murray thing going on with this track and it works excellently. Buy her a drink, why don’t you?
“Another Day” might be my favorite on the album, honestly. It invites the listener to sway with the timeless country composition. When the male harmony joins in, there’s something magical that happens. I am not saying that I’ve mastered that harmony vocal just yet, but I’m pretty durn close. I love the love song element here. For anyone who is in a long-term relationship, this song is gospel.
The following track “Tip Jar” has one of the most unique composition styles on the album. It’s still definitely a country vibe, but it goes in a different direction. The vocal on this one has a bit more of that classic vibrato to it. Interestingly, almost every track on this album has a different vocal texture to it.
“Leaving Thunder” is another take on the country style. The line “I’m not like any other…” seems fitting for the band as well as the individual. There are not many artists making this kind of classic country style, yet still being willing to create new soundscapes. It’s not derivative; it’s unique but rooted in an intentional past.
“Satellite Lost” is a cowboy country song with poetic lyrics. It’s one of the gems on the album, honestly. Subtle, moving, and inviting… there’s not much more you could want from a song. The final track “Begin Again” has a substantive bass feeling to it that really brings out the “bottom” nicely. I might have closed out the album with “Another Day,” but that’s a minor critique.
I was pleasantly surprised spending a while with this album. Fans of classic country will enjoy many times over with this one. We’re happy to support this original writing and crisp musicianship.
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