Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley - Before the Sun Goes Down

This is a damn good record, one that’ll bring happiness to Americana music lovers of all stripes.
Folks who like old time country will dig tunes like “Before The Sun Goes Down,” an easy-going fiddle and dobro number that would sound as comfortable on the radio of a ‘49 Chevy pickup as it does on a Spotify playlist. “I’d Rather be Gone,” with it’s lonesome pedal steel guitar, comes straight from the roadhouse jukebox songbook of Hank Williams while the beautiful ballad “More Than Roses” speaks to a later era of country music, when the likes of Marty Robbins ruled the radio airwaves.
On the bluegrass tip, there’s the ramblin’ “Little Cabin Home On The Hill,” a enthusiastic piece that highlights Hensley’s fine guitar playing. “Some folks called him ‘Lightnin’, but I just called him ‘Dad’,” they sing on their ode to “runnin’ shine” called "Lightnin'" but no words are necessary to get the jist of “Raisin’ The Dickens,” a rambunctious instrumental piece that gives everyone in the band a taste of the action.
Fans of contemporary country will probably like this album, too. Though the record harkens back to a sound of 50 years yore, the songs still sound fresh and new (and will probably be covered by the likes of Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan in just a moment’s time). Everybody knows Ickes is a dobro genius -- still! -- and everyone should know young Hensley (just 24 years old) is gifted with a voice that easily earns its comparisons to George Jones and Merle Haggard.
Yeah, this is just a damn good record of fine country music.