Brett Kissel’s journey into the world of Country music began in his teenage years when he started performing at local events and talent shows. His natural talent and dedication caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to his debut album, ‘Keepin’ It Country,’ released in 2006 when he was just 16 years old.
In 2013, Brett Kissel released his major-label debut album, ‘Started with a Song,’ which quickly gained widespread acclaim. The album’s title track became a chart-topping hit, showcasing Kissel’s ability to blend traditional country elements with a modern twist. Kissel’s musical prowess continued to shine with subsequent albums, including ‘Pick Me Up’ (2015) and ‘We Were That Song’ (2017), both of which garnered critical acclaim and reinforced his status as a rising star in the industry. 2020’s ‘Now or Never,’ album showcased his versatility, featuring a mix of heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems whilst 2021 found Kissel asking ‘What is Life?’ but it has been his releases this year that have proven to be his most audacious and ambitious projects to date.
New album, ‘The Compass Project’ is being released in four separate parts: North, South, East and West. Each album has a specific feel and over-arching narrative to it that reflects the writing and the songs. We reviewed ‘South’ earlier in the year, which blew us away with it’s radio friendly choruses whilst ‘East’ delighted us with it’s more songwriter-esque moments. New release, ‘West’ is perhaps the most thematically tied together of the three releases so far with its Texan meets prairie vibes that run through the album like lettering through a stick of rock.
Each track on ‘West’ paints vivid pictures of the Wild West, Texan legacies, and the resilience of cowboys. From the very first notes of ‘Missin You in San Antone,’ the album captures the essence of the Texan spirit, combining jaunty Western swing rhythms, steel guitars, and honky-tonk pianos to create a retro Texan feel. The song’s lyrics, chronicling the struggles of overcoming a broken relationship, are beautifully complemented by fiddle-driven fun, making it an engaging and catchy opener.
‘Oil & Cattle’ takes listeners on a ride through the Texan wilderness to the prairies and on to the foot of the Rocky Mountains, exploring the legacies, families, and challenges faced by those living in the vast open landscapes of the United States. The USP here is that each of the four singers on the track (the other three being Brad Johner, George Canyon, and Don Amero) helm a verse that is very personal to them whilst the use of old-time fiddles adds a genuine frontier touch, enhancing the authenticity of the narrative. ‘Legacy,’ meanwhile, delves into the concept of what one leaves behind, blending darker acoustic tones with spoken word verses. The song builds to an emotional climax, depicting the clash between the modern world and the traditional values of hard work and heritage, which leaves you kind of breathless and feeling like you’ve just listened to a classic Johnny Cash song covered by the Charlie Daniels Band!
In ‘Deer Blind,’ Kissel’s heartfelt sentiments shine as he expresses the importance of family, particularly his son. The song’s melodic tones create a soothing atmosphere, emphasizing the significance of cherished moments spent together. The cover of Glenn Campbell’s classic ‘Wichita Lineman’ adds a touch of authenticity to the album, seamlessly fitting into the wide-open, western vibes that permeate ‘West,’ whilst ‘The Crib Song’ and ‘Strait Country’ continue the album’s momentum. The former captures the excitement of a card game in a honky-tonk bar room, while the latter pays homage to the legendary George Strait in a tender ballad that features piano, guitar, and fiddles.
‘Behind Closed Doors’ tackles saucy subject matter against the backdrop of Texan swing, delivering a classic yet contemporary vibe. ‘Queen on the River’ brings back the jaunty fiddle-driven energy, evoking frontier days and steamboat casinos and the album concludes on a poignant note with ‘Here’s Hoping There’ll Always Be a Cowboy,’ a tender Garth Brooks-style ballad that pays tribute to the strength and resilience of cowboys. The applause at the beginning and end of the song gives it an air of a classic Grand Ole Opry performance too.
The standout track on the album however, is undeniably ‘Black Eyed Susans.’ This dark, brooding tale of domestic abuse and murder showcases Kissel’s songwriting prowess alongside co-writer Steve Fox. The song weaves a chilling narrative, creating a haunting and compelling atmosphere throughout. The fiddle-driven melody adds depth to the story, making it a truly captivating experience for the listener as Kissel paints evocative imagery: using the flowers named in the title of the song as the murdered wife’s ultimate revenge!
‘West’ is a skilful tribute to the Western plains spirit: expertly blending authentic storytelling, melodic richness, and heartfelt emotion. Brett Kissel’s ability to capture the essence of that vast geographical area in his music makes this album a must-listen for Country music enthusiasts, delivering a genuine and immersive experience from start to finish.
Tracklist: 1. Missin You in San Antone 2. Oil & Cattle 3. Legacy 4. Deer Blind 5. Wichita Lineman 6. The Crib Song 7. Strait Country 8. Black-Eyed Susans 9. Queen on the River 10. Here’s Hoping There’ll Always be a Cowboy Release Date: 3rd November Record Label: Big Star Recordings / Onerpm Buy ‘The Compass Project: West’ Right Here
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