Grab A Bucket is the second album release from Idaho, USA-based singer songwriter Baily Allen Baker. Known for his wordsmanship, I was keen to dive into his world of alternative country and indie folk.

By Graeme Smith

Bailey’s new release is a collection that focusses on the transitions in life, including that key one – becoming more mature. The journey starts with Daniel Plainview, a meditation on being young and oversimplifying things. It’s a lively track, shanty-esque in its delivery while the lyrics are boastful. It’s an instantly captivating start.

All the Things We’ll Never Be is slow and brooding, and full of emotional storytelling. Great American Myth brings a traditional country vibe and a modern folk tale of selfishness and insecurity. Scribbled Holograms is a delicate track with finger picking and vivid imagery. As it progresses we get an unexpected electric guitar solo. It’s a highlight.

Ignoredrum is piano-led and heart-breaking while Patron Saint Surprise sits that the heart of the album giving us a jaunty country instrumentals and philosophical lyrics. It marks a change in viewpoint to something a little more mature that contrasts the dramatic, devastating The Stench (of Youth).

Different Kind of Blue returns us to country folk and shows a mellower side to Bailey’s song writing. Zut Alors! keeps things mellow but introduces some cantering rock elements. Out Since the Recession ends the album’s narrative with a sweeping reflection on modern American folk history before we get the intimate bonus track of Sarasota Songbird.

If you like your music on the melancholic side then Grab A Bucket is one for you. Fans of The Silver Jews, Bill Callahan and York Calling favourite Will Wood are going to love this album. Bailey’s song writing is second to none and each story on this album unfolds with intricate and well-observed detail, and a unique point of view. In that sense, there’s no-one out there like him.

Grab A Bucket is out now via Mishap Records. You can give it a listen below.