Album Review: Ronnie Fauss - Mulligan

Y’all probably remember the album review we did back in the summertime of the very talented and local artist Ronnie Fauss and his EP New Songs For The Old Frontier. You might also remember that we mentioned another EP to be released later in the Fall. Well, Fauss is a man of his word.

Ronnie Fauss’ latest EP release, Mulligan, colors well outside the lines of his last release, but in a good way… cuz it’s fun to do bad things! Tracks like “To Ease My Mind” have a very upbeat melody, paired with well-versed lyrics that is reminiscent of the great Drive-By Truckers raw country sound. The song “Wish” has a feel like tracks from his last EP. A simple folk melody with that signature mandolin sound that I’ve come to associate with Fauss, and again, very intelligent lyrics about the insecurities and jealousy in people that make them feel that the grass is always greener on the other side, when really, the epitome of green is at your feet the whole time. It’s a very familiar subject of humanity and a good, easy listen. But then Fauss brings you right back to the dance floor with the song “It’s A Long Long Way”. This honky-tonk song is filled with that deep, twangy, treblely Telecaster lead guitar and saloon style piano solos that we’ve come to associate with that classic Dance Hall country sound. It’s light and fun and is definitely a two-stepper.

Well, Ronnie Fauss, you’ve done it again! Mulligan is a great success in showing Fauss’ diversity as an artist, and I commend him. The way he does things with these little EP releases throughout the year is a great idea. It keeps everything fresh, and there’s never too much music on the records that might become trite by the time you reach the last song. You just wanna hit play again!

MP3: Ronnie Fauss - It's a Long Long Way

-Cory P. Coleman [c]