Crafted from a shared passion for songwriting, Birmingham musician Shaun Smith, known as Stealth, and London-based producer, singer, and writer Ross O’Reilly have united forces to unveil a collection of songs under the moniker Cash & Carter. Honouring the legacy of Country icons through both name and musicality, the duo introduces their debut EP, ‘No Use Praying.’
Drawing inspiration from revered artists like The Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby Stills & Nash, as well as contemporary figures such as Chris Stapleton and Alabama Shakes, Cash & Carter delivers a modern interpretation of UK country with glimpses of traditional Americana. Their refreshing and candid approach to country and Americana has garnered significant attention since the release of their debut single in 2023, propelling them onto the prestigious US New Music Friday Country Playlist on Spotify. Notable support has also poured in from Noctis Magazine, God Is In The TV, Songwriting Magazine, and ourselves here at Entertainment Focus.
The title track, ‘No Use Praying,’ kicks off the EP with anthemic vigor, urging listeners to take control of their destinies amidst life’s stormy weather. The Mumford & Sons-esque chorus and inspirational lyrics create a Nashville vibe reminiscent of artists like Boy Named Banjo. With slight Gospel overtones and a tent revival feel, the song exudes a captivating energy that fuels belief in one’s ability to overcome challenges.
In ‘Americana (Letting Her Go),’ Cash & Carter unveil a tender side, addressing the profound and delicate subject of loss to suicide. The muffled guitar lines set the tone for this moving ode to a departed friend, demonstrating the duo’s ability to navigate difficult themes with grace. The haunting melody and repeating guitar refrains evoke a deep emotional response, making this track a poignant tribute and a cathartic exploration of the grieving process.
‘All of the Way,’ the EP’s debut single, showcases Cash & Carter’s knack for strong hooks and infectious energy. With a fierce pounding beat and a delightful mix of multi-layered vocals in the chorus, the song builds to an uptempo, Gospel-tinged tent-revival chorus complete with handclaps and a foot-stomping beat. The track captures the duo’s vibrant spirit and leaves a lasting impression whilst ‘Ballad of Talulah” introduces a simple, sparse folk-leaning narrative about a working girl navigating a challenging life. The song’s intriguing lyrics and strong storyline, coupled with a steady beat, create a compelling atmosphere. References to red lights and The Police’s ‘Roxanne’ add depth to the narrative, showcasing Cash & Carter’s storytelling prowess. “They all want to save me right until they pay me then it’s home to their wives,” is the standout line from the song that stays with you as a marker of who Talulah is and what her life is like.
The EP concludes with Cash & Carter’s distinctive rendition of The Cure’s classic, ‘Just Like Heaven.’ Their interpretation transforms the familiar tune into an eerie, contemplative stomp, characterised by lead singer Shaun’s atmospheric vocal delivery and some impactful percussion. The result is a darker, more nuanced take on the original. This concluding track not only showcases Cash & Carter’s ability to construct powerful ballads but also underscores their talent for uncovering hidden dimensions within well-known songs, making them uniquely their own. When asked about their decision to record this particular cover, Shaun simply expressed, “We loved it. The reason we chose to do that song as a cover is because we felt we could really change its feel. The original is such a fast, major song; there are a lot of things to play around with.”
‘No Use Praying’ is a testament to Cash & Carter’s versatility, blending genres seamlessly while maintaining a distinct sound. Each track offers a unique perspective, making the EP a captivating and emotionally resonant listening experience with a distinctly British edge to its Americana ambitions.
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Tracklist: 1. No Use Praying 2. Americana (Letting Her Go) 3. All of the Way 4. Ballad of Talulah 5. Just Like Heaven Record Label: Independent Release Date: January 5th Buy ‘No Use Praying’ right here
