Experienced musician and front man of Aaron McDonnell and the Neon Eagles, Aaron McDonnell has released his second solo record, Battle Bend. The album was recorded in Austin, Texas and produced by Bob Hoffnar. Battle Blend came after McDonnell’s move to Austin and starting a new band. Living in Texas has made McDonnell realize the importance of making danceable music, leading him to incorporate swing with a traditional country sound. Battle Blend finds Aaron backed by a heavy hitter group of talented musicians, including Dani McDonnell (Aaron’s wife). The inclusion of Dani McDonnell on the record adds to the old time, honky tonk feel, reminiscent of Johnny and June. The record is country music at its rawest and purest.The record opens with the slow, two-stepping “This Far”, a track that finds the narrator hoping to reconcile with his significant other, and make the failing relationship work. Aaron’s voice is perfect for the sad honky tonk feel of the song; it’s smooth and deep, with a touch of grit to it. Dani McDonnell joins Aaron on “Day to Day”, a very Loretta & Conway, George & Tammy kind of song. “Day to Day” finds a couple going through some tough times in life and in the relationship, and choosing to hang in and stay together, Think of a modern day version of George & Tammy’s “We’re Gonna Hold On”. The couple lives “day to day”, taking one day at a time, with the hope that eventually, things will get better. They’ve made a commitment to each other, and rather than leaving, they’re going to stick it out and keep that vow. “Day to Day” is definitely a standout on the record. Aaron and Dani’s vocals blend together nicely and compliment each other’s perfectly. I love Dani’s voice and would actually love to hear more from her, as well as Aaron.
The easy rolling “Hill Country” is a pure country tune that you won’t be able to stop tapping your foot along to. The ode to the Texas hill country uses imagery that has become familiar when describing country music and Texas, including Willie Nelson and a big open sky with stars. There’s a quality of infectiousness about this song that I can’t put my finger on, I just know that it is in fact very infectious. The chorus plays out like a dance, “So honey let’s dance/ quick, quick, slow/ all them shiny bottles lined up in a row/ we can rest easy on them stars/ they are so bright/ and it’s a hill country Saturday night.” “Hill Country” is another enjoyable track on a very enjoyable record.
“Not Alone” finds the tempo picked up a bit, featuring a driving acoustic guitar. The listener hears the narrator begging God to let a girl, presumably the narrator’s, know she’s not alone and to guide her back on the right path. It’s a sweet song, with McDonnell doing an excellent job of infusing the emotion needed into the song through his vocals.
Battle Bend closes out with another slow, somber track, “Wayward Girl”. The song spins a tale of a teenage girl leaving home because she “wanted all or nothing, no in between.” She ends up running low on money and turning to pills. McDonnell explains, “you lost your pride and then lost your will.” The listener finds out that she turned to prostitution, and became a “willing date for any man” she meets. This is an absolutely beautifully melancholic song, with McDonnell proving he has what it takes to be a true country artist. McDonnell sings this song with compassion and in a matter of fact tone. This song isn’t coming from a judging or cruel point of view. He goes on to sing, “You wanted all or nothing, that’s what you said/ well honey, nothing you got lying in that bed,” and then brings it home with the chorus, “And you’re feeling alone/southern sky reminds you of home/ who you were is dead and gone/ your eyes sing the saddest song/ a world away, you grab that spoon/ beneath the glow of the sign/ in this sea side motel room.” It’s one of those perfectly written songs that just hits you in the soul.
Battle Bend is a wonderful record that is country at its purest form. Aaron McDonnell is definitely one to watch, as I think he’ll be making a big splash on the country scene, or at least he should if they know good country music. I look forward to hearing more from McDonnell, until then, Battle Bend will be on repeat.
Originally posted here.
