Willow Layne’s debut album The Roots Run Deep hit streaming sites on August 4th, and it seems the country rock star has ascended to a brand new level of awesome as she reinforces her show-stopping sound, taking her breathtaking imagination and pure artistry one step further.
Released on Bongo Boy Records, The Roots Run Deep marks an unforgettable place where the fresh and carefree soul of country and Americana music merges with the grit, distortion, and wild energy of American rock. Except Willow Layne (a.k.a. songwriter Lisa Benedetto) one-ups the genre-twist concept for fans, her sweet but powerful vocals sparking hints of acoustic pop greats including Taylor Swift, sliced with a bright streak of authenticity which sets Willow Layne’s creations far apart from the rest.
Countless tracks ring out like radio anthems and global chart-toppers, from the explosive album opener “Keep Love Safe” to the red-hot belter “The Burn Barrel.” Elsewhere, acoustic jams such as “Like the Rain” steal the show as Willow explores the softer depths of her voice and plants all emphasis on telling tales through her relatable lyrics.
Balancing snippets of retroism with vividly modern moments, it feels as if no stone is left unturned as Willow Layne swerves from hard rock guitar solos to happy-go-lucky pop tracks doused with comforting feminine energy, even side-stepping into the smokiest of Southern country grooves – all meshed together with spotless, continuous atmospheres which keep you craving the next song.
But what’s it all about? The Roots Run Deep “chronicles a deeply personal period of transformation in [Willow Layne’s] life, a time when love and loss, faith, resilience, and hope were all being explored. Intimate questions were asked, but the answers found are universal.” Benedetto produces the whole thing herself, too, with E. G. Holmes’ mixing and mastering polishing every track, Don Sternecker sharpening “Keep Love Safe” at Mixolydian Studios, and Don Kincaid’s lyrics steering the quiet resolve of “Walk Away.”
If you’re a fan of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and co., Willow Layne is about to become your next go-to artist as she serves an album rich with diverse emotion, feel-good vibes and sing-along anthems that you won’t be able to get out of your head.
Our final verdict? Highly Recommended.
BELOW: Listen to Willow Layne and check out their music online. Please support Willow Layne by visiting their website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
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Website · Bongo Boy Records · Purchase/Download