Amanda Shires

Texas singer Amanda Shires is an intriguing artist. A superb violinist she also has a lovely vocal style that has been strangely likened to Dolly Parton, when it is far more typical of many Alt-American singers. And on her third solo album she sounds more accessible than ever. But it is not just the voice that intrigues, it is also her sparkly interviews and asides (like describing her singing as “less goat, more note” for example).

Recently Shires has been seen, albeit in the background, in the Gwyneth Paltrow movie Country Music, playing in her backing band. But one gets the impression that the brush with Hollywood is not something that Shires is keen to explore further. Her grounded awareness probably would not permit the bright lights to dazzle. After all, she relocated to Nashville “to get uncomfortable and grow some guts” and move from backing singer to solo artist.

This apparent honesty and warmth shines through the excellently titled Carrying Lightning. The album explores human desire with plaintive reflection, as on the lost friendship tale of Detroit or Buffalo, “haven’t be too well myself, a lot of time on the shelf, saying that I don’t need help when I do”, and sometimes with a playful wink, like on the seductive Shake The Walls (“the ceiling fan tries to keep up with the heat”).

Shires herself likes to avoid giving away the meanings or history behind her songs, preferring the listener to decide for themselves. But the metaphors of She Let Go Of Her Kite and When You Need A Train It Never Comes, are easy to deduce, while Lovesick I Remain leaves no questions about Shires’ object of fantasy.

All these little stories are coupled with some terrific Alt-country backing from the likes of Rod Picott and guitarists Will Kimbrough and Neal Casal. From the moment opener Swimmer’s whistling intro begins, all the way through the classy Ghostbird, dreamy Side Gin, to the instrumental closer, it is a gorgeous exploration of human feelings. Ultimately the songs display the ridiculousness of love and loss; as each knock down is quickly followed by the wish to get back up again and face the prospect of another broken heart.