Micah P Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra

A lot can happen in a couple of years, you can be lying flat on your back, you can fall in and out of love, and you can propose live on stage. Oh and you can record an album. Micah P Hinson presents himself this time under the guised assistance of a Red Empire Orchestra (he’s previously been ‘accompanied’ by Opera Circuits, Gospels of Progress) but has very definitely enlisted producer John Congleton to help out. Congleton, in turn, has brought with him his phonebook and members of the Polyphronic Spree and the like to assist.

Opener ‘Come Home Quickly Darlin’ starts low, and draws you in, Micah creating a lovingly crafted bit of Americana, his voice searing across the guitars. A simple repeated line of “Come Home Quickly’ pulls you into the album immediately.

‘I Keep Havin These Dreams’, with its background of violins and accompanied by female voice, demonstrates Micah P at his best and hints at his latest state, admitting his love and commitment to someone. Stand out track though is ‘You Will Find Me’, his guttural baritone voice creating a song that is pure Americana. Combined with the rising short burst of guitars, it’s a song that deserves more and more airtime and could be the tune that puts Micah the Texan into the big league .

Penultimate track ‘We Don't Have To Be Lonesome Tonight’ once again shows a new lighter side to his song writing, as he settles down and embraces the company of others. Closing song ‘Dyin' Alone’ is pure Micah P Hinson, proving that there is still torment and angst within this great Americana song writer as well as a voice that can still tug at your heart strings.

On Red Empire Orchestra that voice sounds clearer than before which adds depth and clarity to his songs. This coupled with the great production and obvious influence of the artist brought in by Congleton, makes this a great album, one which is accessible and will hopefully bring with it a wider audience.