Nothing New, in the Good Way

The Noveaux Honkies — the nom de plume for the duo consisting of Tim O’Donnell and Rebecca Dawkins — are self-proclaimed road warriors, so it’s little wonder that Blues for Country surveys quite a wide pastiche. 

All the same, the pair shows a reverence for their roots, distilling a synthesis of honkytonk, assertive intents and a mostly easy amble. Their cover of “Pancho and Lefty” sets the tone. Theirs is a low-cast rendition of Townes Van Zandt’s classic lament, but other songs such as the title track, “Life Ain’t Easy,” “Velvet,” and “Two Doors From Paradise” keep to a traditional template by way of authentic Americana. It’s not that these songs are necessarily cheery in tone. “Life Ain’t Easy’ details the travails of touring, “Hours Into Days” explores the divide that sometimes comes between friends, and “Whiskey’s Getting’ Harder To Drink” describes what most rational people come to know quickly, and that is that answers are rarely found at the bottom of a shot glass. 

Even so, whether singing solo or in tandem, the couple can veer from a swagger to a sway while maintaining a generally amiable attitude. Granted, Noveaux Honkies don’t pierce any barriers per se, sticking instead to well-trod turf. Still, given the quality of the material and the confidence with which it’s delivered, Blues for Country makes for a most appealing effort nonetheless.