Joey Frendo may have commenced his debut full-length album, Bound for Heartache, with a nod to the adage, “you get what you get and you don’t throw no fits,” but no one will be throwing any fits over the project he has delivered. Frendo shows off his mindfulness of collective experiences we all face at one point or another and conveys them in heartfelt lyricism. His vocal delivery is slightly gritty, yet warm and sincere. The album paces through Americana, alt-country and classic honky tonk country music.

In “Get What You Get,” he understands that there is give and take in life. Sometimes you miss your chance, so you must make the best of the situation until another one comes along. It’s how you handle those circumstances that determines your satisfaction in life: believe everything that happens has put you on the path to where you are heading, and you should travel it with intention. 

“Fool-Hearted Woman” was the first single release from the new album and is a true dancehall romp. Heavy on the pedal steel, piano and electric guitar. He wonders if the woman in his life (inspired by his own wife) is crazy for loving a man that lives the way he does; nonetheless, he’s grateful for her devotion and encouragement. 

“Don’t you know my bills are hardly ever paid on time / And the dates are always cheap? / It’ll take a fool-hearted woman, love an old road-dog like me”

Frendo then moves into the tender ballad, “Wild Pilots.” It’s a pragmatic dive into the strains of a relationship. One minute you’re on the top of the world without a care and the next you’re hit with adversity that forces you to become grounded and leaves you weary. The lyrics are honest and relatable. The “Wild Pilots” track is the second single release and comprises the line plucked out for the album title. 

“If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride / We’ve limped and labored through most of our lives / Is there something way down deep inside / Predisposed to wind up blue? Cut to hell and bruised? / But when you’re bound for heartache, there ain’t nothing you can do / Every tender moment’s fleeting, all that’s good you’ve gained you’ll lose”   

The gem of the album lies in the most recent single, “Old-Fashioned Country Singer.” A bluesy, almost Petty-esque minor key rock composition. Frendo writes about the legendary story of Hank Williams’ rise and untimely death. It’s a recognition of the downfalls that sometimes plague the life of a musician, yet ruminates on the pull to be a performing artist. 

“As sure as Jesus died on the cross / Hank Williams died in the back of his car / So loners like me could sit at the bar and have a place to be / Maybe drink for free / If you can play a few chords and sing”

One of my personal favorites on the album is “Nebraska Rain.” The lyrics tell a story that does not follow the typical verse, chorus, verse format. It’s an aching piece about misfortune stacked on top of poor decisions. The protagonist has hit rock bottom and is reaching out for help. It’s then that he realizes that he has burned all the bridges he once had and now must face his consequences alone.

Joey Frendo has fully immersed himself into the Tulsa music scene after moving from Michigan in 2020. He credits the fellowship of that sphere as a nurturing vessel to create the songs he feels are the best of his catalog thus far. Frendo is grateful for the support of the regional venues, amazingly talented local musicians, community art initiatives and fans that have helped him grow and thrive in his new home. Bound for Heartache is available April 21st via Horton Records which is a non-profit, volunteer-based music organization in Tulsa, OK. 

Produced by Joey Frendo and Jason Weinheimer. Recorded and mixed by Jason Weinheimer. Recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, AR. Mastered at Foster Mastering by Ryan Foster. Art, design & layout by Carl Carbonell.

Joey Frendo: vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica

Paul Griffith: drums

Paddy Ryan: drums, percussion

Jason Weinheimer: bass, rhythm guitar, baritone guitar, slide guitar, Mellotron, BGV’s

Philippe Bronchtein: pedal steel, piano, organ

Jesse Aycock: electric guitar, lap steel, pedal steel, piano

Mallory Eagle: harmony vocals

Fats Kaplan: fiddle

Greg Spradlin: Telecaster

All songs written by Joey Frendo (BMI)

Find out more about Joey at the links below:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Spotify