Justin Trevino

Take One as Needed for Pain (Heart of Texas)

Justin Trevino possesses one of the purest voices in Austin, his smooth tenor hearkening classic country crooners Ray Price and Webb Pierce. Following last year’s collaboration with Johnny Bush, Texas on a Saturday Night, Trevino’s latest lays down such soothing honky-tonk heartbreak that there aren’t enough beers for the tears. Opener “When She Does Me Right” angles understanding for the jilted lover, and “I Just Lost My Favorite Girl” and “We Don’t” deliver disillusion with perfection. Heather Myles’ duet on “This Time We’re Going to Make It” lifts the ache without losing pace, while guitarist Bill Anderson’s soft tremble accents “I’ll Go Down Swingin’.” The title track spotlights Trevino at his most wrenching as he diagnoses, “You know I’m not a hard drinkin’ man; I just take one as needed for pain.” “Where Do You Take a Broken Heart?” ponders the album’s closer. Answer: wherever Trevino’s playing.

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This article appears in June 6 • 2008.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.