Slaid Cleaves

Slaid Cleaves

Wishbones (Philo) Four years have passed since Slaid Cleaves' Broke Down, a breakthrough album that brought the Austinite a national fan base and identified him as one of the best singer-songwriters in the state. Wishbones reveals that Cleaves was not only up to the task of a suitable follow-up, but capable of surpassing it. There are echoes of Cleaves previous work here, but it also exposes another side. Working again with local producer Gurf Morlix, Wishbones possesses an edge that Cleaves' music hasn't evinced before. The drums are more forceful, the electric guitars a little more grungy. In addition, Wishbones is twangier than Cleaves' previous work, closer to country than folk. Still, it's Cleaves astute storytelling on display here. There's a sequel to Broke Down's "Horseshoe Lounge" here, titled "Drinkin' Days," where the protagonist has sobered up, yet is obviously still assessing the damage done as he quips, "My drinkin' days are over, but I'm still trouble bound." Then there's "New Year's Day," a eulogy and vivid character sketch that captures one man's bigger-than-life attitude. The goal of any songwriter is to tell their story with a minimum of words and maximum impact. Slaid Cleaves accomplishes this feat effortlessly and consistently throughout Wishbones, easily making it one of the best of the year. (Thursday, March 18, midnight @ Antone's)