Mind, Man, Medicine

The Secret Sisters

Released on 29/03/2024 by New West Records, LLC
Main artists: The Secret Sisters
Genre: Folk

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In her memoir, Brandi Carlile sings the praises of The Secret Sisters. She loves them so much that she and bandmates Phil and Tim Hanseroth produced the duo's last two albums, including 2020's Grammy-nominated Saturn Return. Carlile's not back for Mind, Man, Medicine—John Paul White (formerly of his own great duo, the Civil Wars) and Ben Tanner have stepped in to co-produce with Alabama-born siblings Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle (née Rogers)—but the sisters' Americana magic is still secure, as are their crystalline harmonies. In fact, they've never sounded better than on knockout track "Never Walk Away," as their voices circle each other like twisting vines climbing toward the sun. The velvety drama conjures up the feel of Roy Orbison and starts out with a solemn promise—"I would never walk away from you/ Never even got it in my head to"—before it abruptly, chillingly shifts: "And I am not your friend anymore ... You gave a parting gift in your departure/ One more favor I cannot return." The harmonies also particularly shine on dreamy "Space," co-written with the wonderful Jessie Baylin. Hushed, and so tender it's almost unbearable, "If the World Was a House" was co-written with Ruston Kelly, and it has the slightly doomed feel of his best songs: "If the world was a house and it was on fire/ Would we just put it out or let it burn higher?" the sisters sing. You can hear Carlile's influence, as well as that of the Everly Brothers, on sweet "Paperweight," which features fiddle by Larry Campbell (Paul Simon, Levon Helm). There are traditional folk moments ("I've Got Your Back"), gentle country shuffle ("Bear With Me") and hymnal solemnity ("Planted"). "I Needed You" features the orchestra of legendary FAME Studios of Muscle Shoals, the sisters' hometown. And in a truly excellent turn, Rogers and Slagle tap into a deep Bonnie Raitt vein and find a whole new area where they excel. "All the Ways" is a slow-burn stunner that features Ray LaMontagne, while "Same Water" is lush R&B soul, burnished with fiddle. It's all about contemplation and second guessing and the weight of the world, without sounding victimized. "So how is everybody doing out there?/ Are you spinning round, lost and found/ Do you feel it too?/ Is there even anybody out there?/ We're all drowning in the same water as you." © Shelly Ridenour/Qobuz

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Mind, Man, Medicine

The Secret Sisters

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