Review- Erin Viancourt: Won't Die This Way
Photo by Alysse Gafkjen
Hailing from the Buckeye state, Cleveland native, Erin Viancourt releases Won’t Die This Way this Friday via Late August Records. Viancourt is the first artist signed to the new label founded and led by Cody Jinks. Produced by Erin Viancourt and Kyle Dreaden, the album was recorded at Nashville’s Forty-One Fifteen and The Smoakstack studios. If you haven’t already heard her on the road performing with Cody Jinks, then this record serves as the perfect heart warming introduction. Won’t Die This Way is shaping up to be the perfect companion for the summer and the perfect addition to your music libraries and playlists. Viancourt began writing songs as a teenager after finding inspiration from writers such as Jerry Jeff Walker and Shel Silverstein. After high school, she moved to Nashville to hone her skills as an artist before heading out on the road, where she now spends most of her time.
Put the kids to bed early, pour yourself a glass of chardonnay, don’t forget to drop in an ice cube for added effect, and prepare to be blown away while enjoying a brief reprieve from the excoriating heat. Erin Viancourt’s velvety delicious voice dazzles and delights all around; much like a kerosene lamp flickering in the night during a snowy log cabin stay.
“I hope this album makes people want to move around a dance floor with a cold beverage, sing at the top of their lungs with the windows down, and keep moving forward with whatever they’re looking for in life,” she says. “Most of all, I hope it reminds everyone that they’re not alone and we’re all a little crazy—so let’s all grow together and do it with style.” ~Viancourt
Won’t Die This Way contains thirteen solid tracks that will immediately capture your attention and make themselves at home in your heart. Her unique sound and charm draw parallels in my mind to that of Charley Crockett or a southern Norah Jones along with perhaps a hint of a Sheryl Crow-esque vibe. Despite my feeble attempt to accurately categorize Erin Viancourt and place her into a bin, she will have you floating on a breeze and swaying like a palm tree on a cool summer night.
This record starts off with her recently released single, “Cheap Paradise” and continues song after song pulling you along life’s highway of highs and lows, with each track reducing the turbulence of everyday life. Her delicate twang and earnest delivery may uniquely transcend the perfect categorization or direct musical comparison. One thing is for sure, her music will put a smile on your face and keep you company no matter the trials and tribulations you may find yourself undergoing.
Musicality and composition are first class adding a layer of complexity that the smooth, gentle, fun, airy simplicity disguises. I am always a sucker for a decent pedal steel guitar. So, you know I must comment on Austin “Hot Rod” Tripp and Mike Daly as they hooked me, line and sinker. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Dylan Jones on keyboards, whose fingers feverishly dance across the keys on “Straight Down the Barrel” which claims top billing as the song on the album most likely to be sung at the top of your lungs with the windows down.
My favorite song on the album is “B24.” Without fail, it stops me in my tracks and draws my focus. I wonder if “B24” is a reference to the iconic Vern Gosdin song, “Set ‘em Up Joe,” which has the lyrics, “Everyday they replace old B24, ‘cause every night I run a needle through ‘Walking The Floor’?” Which, of course, refers to the classic Ernest Tubb song, “Walking The Floor Over You.” Then again, in the Viancourt version it could be any other old sad song on the jukebox. I tend to overthink, but this isn’t a sad song. Quite the opposite, she’s tired of heartaches and looking for hope with a dash of happiness and a sprinkle of endless possibilities. This song brings the heat and if I had it on vinyl, I could actually see myself running a needle through it with the amount of times I’ve replayed it. Either way, this song seems to me to be aptly named.
This is a fun, enthusiastic record that leaves you wanting more and the feeling that this is merely just the beginning of something truly wonderful. Don’t sleep on this release, it's straight fire from start to finish. No need to skip around the album looking for your favorite song. Just press play and be prepared to hit repeat and refill your glass as Erin Viancourt comes out of the gates strong and sounding like a seasoned pro.
Find out more about Erin at the links below:
