“Won’t Go Down”, Michaela Anne’s Latest Stands On Its Own
The past year or two has seen what a lot of people refer to as a “resurgence” or maybe even a revival of sorts in the realm of country influenced music. Folks like Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson and Margo Price have shined a glimmer of hope across the red solo cup riddled landscape that ‘bro country’ has laid claim to in modern day country music. Then Michaela Anne walks in the door of that honky tonk barroom, opens her mouth to sing and lends her voice to those paying homage to the country music that defined the genre all while carving out their own niche in the present day terrain of the music industry. And all is right with the world.
“Won’t Go Down” is an uptempo driving force of a tune with a spirit and fun nature to it, while laying a line which the protagonist of the narrative will not cross. The tune was penned alongside Grammy-nominated producer Dave Brained, which seems to be a common thread throughout the singer-songwriter’s sophomore release in that many of the tunes are co-writes. With a recent move to Music City, a place bursting with fine songwriters I don’t suppose anyone could blame the gal.
As polished and smooth as her vocal, with its slight twang and Tammy Wynette-Emmylou Harris flavor, there is a bit of grit and honesty in the delivery of her words. She has a sweet and gentle nature to her voice, but a whiskey burn back that seeps its way in from time to time and warns not to cross her. An equilibrium between that gentle innocence and sly confidence that balances the stories she puts forth in her music.
Instrumentally the track takes on a very traditional, quick moving country styling to it. From the kick in twang of an electric guitar, to the throbbing two step thumb of the bass and the breaks that allow Michaela Anne’s soprano to shimmer and soar. Its fun, eliciting dance and movement. Again, with an offsetting between allowing yourself to enjoy and make light of the thematic nature of the song, which plainly put is: I’ll do some shit, but I won’t go that far, and the true message behind it.
Michaela Anne moseys her way into town tomorrow evening (Tuesday May 24) at The Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA. She is joined by one of my all time favorite voices in this shitstorm we call Americana or folk music, Annie Lynch. There is an understated grace and beauty in Annie’s music that can bring even the rowdiest of audiences to a complete hush. The juxtaposition of country goodness with the solemn folk sounds that Lynch is well known for will make one hell of a night of music, so I suggest getting your tickets in advance right here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2552252
