Coming to our attention through their debut album, A Trick Of The Light, West Of Vine are a modern country rock act with a penchant for storytelling.

By Graeme Smith

West Of Vine have a truly authentic Americana and country sound that proves instantly captivating. Each of their new album’s tracks is infused with storytelling, all delivered with a charming drawl and classic instrumentals.

Songwriter Jonno has drawn deeply from his childhood as part of a road-tripping Ohio family, painting scenes of open skies, Big Country, and unsteady relationships.

Front Porch gets the album off to an emotive start before lead single I Got Lost shows us the band’s rockier side. Too Much Like Lightning keeps the tempo high and injects a little Dire Straits swagger.

Fire Escape is a romantic effort that’s rich with the realities of love. Happy, Right? captures the hindsight of nostalgia. Don’t Keep Your Heart A Secret is an intimate, sobering ballad.

As the album reaches its final leg, we get some of its strongest songs. Leave A Little Magic is anthemic with a singalong chorus. The groovy Baggage (3AM) provides a little introspection. The Brightest Part is airy and full of natural imagery. You Said I’d Be Better bring things home triumphantly.

A Trick Of The Light was recorded at The Bridge Sound & Stage in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is out now. You can buy it as a digital release on Bandcamp and can listen to it below.