HomeEF CountryReview: 'Plus One' from The War and Treaty is a stirring, powerful...

Review: ‘Plus One’ from The War and Treaty is a stirring, powerful journey

Few artists blend genres as effortlessly as The War And Treaty, and their latest album, ‘Plus One,' is a testament to their ability to merge country, soul, gospel, and rock into a stirring and deeply personal collection of songs. The husband-and-wife duo, Michael and Tanya Trotter, have built a reputation for delivering raw, powerful performances, and this album doubles down on their signature sound while expanding their reach. With 18 tracks ‘Plus One' is an ambitious and heartfelt project, designed to uplift, heal, and bring people together through the universal language of music.

The album kicks off with ‘Love Like Whiskey,' a standout track co-written with country superstar Miranda Lambert. This song encapsulates the essence of The War And Treaty’s storytelling—honest, vulnerable, and drenched in emotion. With soaring horns, rich harmonies, and a melody that bridges classic country and Southern soul, it’s a bold opening statement that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Similarly, ‘Can I Get An Amen' dives deep into the duo’s personal journey, offering an intimate glimpse into their love and resilience, particularly in the face of Michael’s battle with PTSD. The combination of personal storytelling and powerful vocals makes this song one of the album’s most moving moments.

‘Plus One' thrives in its ability to shift between moods and styles while maintaining a cohesive spirit. Tracks like ‘Carried Away' showcase their genre-blending brilliance, seamlessly transitioning from honky-tonk country to smooth R&B. Meanwhile, ‘Drink From Me' enlists bluegrass phenom Billy Strings, injecting the album with a rootsy, foot-stomping energy. The War And Treaty also tap into gospel influences with the electrifying ‘Called You By Your Name,' an uplifting anthem reminiscent of the best call-and-response church traditions. This musical variety keeps the album engaging and showcases their ability to honour tradition while pushing sonic boundaries.

The deeply personal nature of ‘Plus One' shines brightest on songs like ‘Skyscraper,' which features guest vocals from their daughter and Michael’s mother. The track transforms into a moving family affair, underscoring the album’s overarching theme of love as a unifying force. Likewise, ‘Tunnel Vision' delivers a defiant message of perseverance, capturing the duo’s relentless drive to stay true to themselves in an industry that often resists artists who refuse to be boxed into a single genre. These moments of sincerity and raw emotion are what make The War And Treaty’s music resonate so deeply with listeners.

As they prepare to tour in support of ‘Plus One,' The War And Treaty continue to build a movement centred on love, connection, and unity. Their ability to reach people from all walks of life—whether veterans, country fans, or R&B enthusiasts—is a testament to their artistry and authenticity. In a world often divided, ‘Plus One' offers a much-needed reminder of music’s power to heal and bring people together. It’s a triumphant album that not only solidifies The War And Treaty’s place as one of the most exciting duos in modern music but also invites listeners to bring a “plus one” and share in the joy, something very appropriate for this special Valentine's Day release!

Tracklist: 1. Love Like Whiskey 2. Skyscraper 3. Can I Get An Amen 4. Called You By Your Name 5. Stealing A Kiss 6. Teardrops In The Rain 7. Leads Me Home 8. Carried Away 9. Drink From Me ft. Billy Strings 10. Reminisce 11. Save Me 12. Love Is On Fire 13. I Cant Let You Go 14. Home 15. Love Light 16. Mr. Fun 17. Tunnel Vision 18. The Glorious Ones Release Date: February 14th Record Label: Mercury Nashville Buy ‘Plus One' Right Here

Must Read

Advertisement
Few artists blend genres as effortlessly as The War And Treaty, and their latest album, 'Plus One,' is a testament to their ability to merge country, soul, gospel, and rock into a stirring and deeply personal collection of songs. The husband-and-wife duo, Michael and...Review: 'Plus One' from The War and Treaty is a stirring, powerful journey