American Young

Kristy Osmunson and Jon Stone have spent the past few years steadily establishing themselves as one of the country music scene's most distinctive collaborations. While the recent trend in country has been to borrow from hip hop, their compelling collaboration has to date shown that they need not follow the trend to make their own mark. While they may not be taking a leaf out of Maren Morris or Sam Hunt's book, they are equally not trying to emulate Jon Pardi or Aaron Watson, who have steamrolled to success with a more trad. contemporary sound. Boasting a storytelling nature and a clear passion for fusion sounds, Osmunson and Stone have gained respect and critical praise for their folk drive, pop sensibility, country grounded sound that borrows from almost every genre you can name.

For those who have followed their careers over the years will not be surprised by this revelation. Osmunson, formerly of Bomshel, and Stone are a duo who are as celebrated for their writing credits for artists including Kenny Chesney, Joey + Rory and Blake Shelton as they are their own diverse careers. It is in this core musical strength that the duo propel themselves to impress on their long-awaited debut album.

While the record has been teased on Spotify in recent months, the praise of Rolling Stone, The Boot and Taste of Country has only served to heighten interest in the physical release of the record. Opening with the beyond lush Be Here, the duo's debut is a raw, emotional album fuelled by contrasts - none greater than the playful rivalry and stunning harmonies of Osmunson and Stone.

While many contemporary duos use a formulaic approach of vocals that take turns in the spotlight, American Young stand out for their balanced approach. Neither Osmunson and Stone takes the lead, they work the record in harmony, only using their vocals to create contrast when it is beneficial to the song's story.

An album that explores heartbreak, love making, dating and death, it ticks all the boxes for a traditional country album without ever being paint by numbers. While there is no denying that lead single Love Is War is still as moving as when it was first released a few years ago, what is most satisfying in the release is that it is not the album's stand out track, American Young have managed to craft an album filled with cuts that are as striking in their beauty and addictive in their playful nature.

While the opening three numbers shoot for the heart, the comedic Point of View displays a banter between Osmunson and Stone that could see them become the new Parton and Wagoner or Lynn and Twitty. While their old school presence is addictive, it is on the pop powered Party In The Dark and Better On You that American Young demonstrate their real potential for mainstream chart success. Although the album plays primarily to a Radio 2 audience, it is apparent they also have Radio 1 appeal.

Collaborating with co-producer Lee Brice on Eighteen is a clever move. With his star shining bright, the track is most notable for how flawlessly the trio fit together. A trip back to innocent days, this is an anthem for everyone who wants to remember what the good old days were like.

The album's standout, God Sends A Train, may be a carry over from their debut EP, but the twisting ethereal tale of Osmunson's mother is powerfully potent and will send thrilling feels down your spine. Notable for a similar effect is the somber Hometown Girl.

Having showcased a sound that flawlessly flows through genres and country periods effortlessly, the duo end it on a traditional high with the earworm Something To You, which you will be humming to yourselves for days afterwards. Closing the collection on a high point, American Young leave you hungry for more.

This is a stunning record that you will play on repeat, endlessly for hours and still find more within its lyrics and musicality.