REVIEW: “Out West” by Fuzzy and the Rustbelts
‘Out West’ by Fuzzy and the Rustbelts is as good as advertised, combining country, folk, and rock. This was my first time listening to this band, and they absolutely blew me away. They somehow managed to encapsulate the hidden gem that is the New York State countryside.
Expecting to hear more of traditional country music when I started this album, I was pleasantly surprised by their first track Dead & Gone. It starts with country elements, but slowly builds to rock. The lead vocalist has an amazing and unique voice that perfectly suits this genre. This is a great song to open the album because it draws you in and keeps you wanting more.
Leaning Into You is the next track. It has a slower pace than the first track. Lyrically, the song is about going through rough times but having someone to lean on. The beautiful vocals on this track are accompanied by intricate guitar features.
Up next is Out West, which is one of my favorite songs on the album. This song is the epitome of combining country, folk, and rock genres. The track captures the feeling of growing up in a small town and how hard it is to leave. It has a fast pace mixed in with a soft ‘back dirt road’ sound, with rock elements in the chorus and ending.
Adore is the next song on the album. If you take anything from this review, it should be to listen to this song. It starts with kind of an eerie feeling while instruments are slowly added in. The two vocalists harmonize to form a heavenly sound. Adore captures how it feels to truly yearn for someone. The vocals are the star of the show, with the instrumentals taking a back seat.
Sandia Sky also uses two vocalists, but with more instrumentals. The theme of this song is a little darker, about trying to get back to how things once were in a past relationship. It makes me feel like I am truly in a desert with a pick-up truck.
Long Black Road is probably the darkest, lyrically. But, from a first listen, you wouldn’t guess that based on the instrumentals. This is more of a rock-heavy song, which I enjoyed. The last 50 seconds or so feature instrumentals with an amazing guitar solo that’s supported by drums.
Freedom Song, followed by Long Black Road, is very interesting. It’s much more country-inspired. It is a fun song and reminds me of being by a campfire with friends playing music.
I Can’t Stop Loving You is a song I feel so many can relate to. It’s about still loving someone who manages to slip out of your grip, for whatever reason. This track is on the slower side and makes you feel like you are up to see the sunrise on a farm.
Be Free definitely has some blues inspiration. It’s such a fun song to listen to. The keys in this song make it one of my favorites. If Freedom Song makes me feel like being by a campfire, Be Free feels like I’m on a week-long camping trip with friends and all we packed was a guitar.
Lost In You is the final song on this album. The vocals are wonderful throughout the album, and they specifically shine in this last song. Lost In You brings the unique sound of the album full circle. It ties the messaging together nicely.
I recommend giving this album a listen, even if this genre is not your first choice. There is something for everyone, from the incredible vocals to the beautiful instrumentals.
