There is something wonderful about stumbling upon a new alternative country act that gets it right. The Blessed Broke isn't fancy. Instead, the local duo produces no-frills Americana, avoiding the boozy melodrama of many alternative country bands in favor of stark narrative numbers. Featuring the occasional murder ballad ("Bloody Lafayette"), the Blessed Broke's self-titled debut is soaked in the gloomy allure of frontman Brian Frame's acoustic guitar and weathered vocals. Andrew Luker's electric-guitar lines add eerie dissonance to darker tunes ("My Confessor") and lilting melody to lighter songs ("Mud Into Bricks"). The Blessed Broke works hard here to differentiate itself from similar folk-Americana acts. The crisp recording and tight orchestration form a remarkably solid introduction.
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