One thing about music is that it has the ability to pick you up when all seems awful around you. I’ve been deeply worried by the events of this week in the news, war and awfulness seems to be everywhere and (although I know it sounds bad) I don’t want to know about it. So if I am hiding on my sofa with a slice of fruit cake and a cup of tea (and a cat), I am hoping that this music can lift me out of this mood. And as I review the country music here I am lucky (Stevie covers the Blues, I already have those) as there is nothing like country music to lift you up at the end of the day.
I will share the press release with you and then it is the review.
‘On their third album, “All Hat No Cattle,” Turn Turn Turn draws from a deep well of inspiration. The stories and musical atmosphere of this next-level offering were shaped by the trio’s travels across the country, their experiences touring and performing together, their love for American country and folk music, and their keen observations on the human condition.
The group consists of singer-songwriter guitarist Savannah Smith, singer-songwriter bassist Barb Brynstad, and singer-songwriter guitarist Adam Levy. They have been performing, touring, and writing together in close harmony since 2019. “We wanted the music to feel like a road trip across time and place in America,” says Brynstad about the new album.
The trio’s interpretation of the rich history of American music is not mere imitation; rather, it offers something original, unique, and personal within the broader spectrum of Americana. While their first two albums leaned towards psychedelic-country rock, this one is distinctly more acoustic and rural, characterized by banjos, mandolins, pedal steel guitar, clean twangy guitars, a robust bass, and back-porch rhythms.
As with all their recordings and live performances, the magic of the trio is in the blending of their three distinct voices into harmonious melodies. Levy plays all the stringed instruments except for pedal steel, bass, and dobro. “It’s a guitar fest,” he muses. The title of the album is tongue-in-cheek and self-referential, poking fun at weekend cowboys and rodeo-costumed city dwellers, as well as farmless ranch hands in their Stetsons. “None of us have horses or farms,” jokes Savannah Smith.
Smith has spent years performing country covers, singing everything from Dolly Parton to Shania Twain, and runs a vintage clothing store specializing in 20th-century Western styles. Levy studied the history of country and soul music in college and aspired to become a country guitarist upon graduation, immersing himself in the techniques of greats like James Burton, Albert Lee, Don Rich, and Roy Nichols, while playing pickup gigs with honky-tonk bands in VFW halls, American Legion halls, and rural bars. While Brynstad plays a wide variety of music for many bands, her love for country music developed more recently, and she has taken to the bass styles and harmonies with great ease, adding unique twists to the genres the band explores.’
And now we have shared that, on to my review:
Album release date March 6, 2026
This is an album of characters and stories in the best tradition of country/
“Antietam” features a bare a cappella introduction that tells a tragic tale from the Civil War:
“I was a nurse in the Union Army of the Potomac, McClellan’s charge.
Our great country was torn asunder.
Two years of bloodshed, a death toll large…”
The acapella harmony with the three voices merges into an acoustic track that takes you to a camp fire in better times with a group of friends. It is a warm summer evening and you relax to the music, one of those welcome songs.
“Last Drink” moves toward a bit of ‘honky-tonk.’ We retain that late evening camp fire feeling and enter the world of the repentant alcoholic leaving the drink behind. It is a song looking back to the sound of the 50’s/early 60’s. One to gently sway along with.
“Cities” is a norteña-flavored song, a little hint of Cuba and late evenings on the porch. It celebrates the urban American melting pot. It has a clap along feel with a bit of “la, la, la!”
“Magnolia Tree” changes the vocal feel in a tale of a woman who is trying to find her own way in life. “Don’t think my luck’s running out or that I’m running out of time;
I’ve just been driving on the shoulder, waiting for the road that’s mine.”
I liked this one, the melody hooks work well and the harmonies are strong. It’s a late evening commercial radio number.
“Trouble” turns up the country a notch and we have a real hillbilly energy, one for the Summer festivals and a crowd having a dance.It is a tale of a jealous lover, and is enjoying itself.
“Somehow, I’m in trouble now.
Well, it may not be a sin, but I found hell again.
And now I’m in trouble; I’m in trouble now.”
“Hand-Me-Down Sadness” reminded me of Peters and Lee. It is a pleasant, easy-on-the-ear-track, swaying to the breeze. At 2.05 it does not overstay its welcome.
“Serious” is a harmony sing-along. It is another one that I liked and enjoyed the piano touches in the backing. The track has an energy and was one I returned to at the end to have a second listen to.
“Manitowoc” introduces a strong guitar sound and the story in this one down on Lake Michigan where we meet to walk along to the sound of harmony and better times.
“When Love Reigns” returns to the intimacy of the moment, it is reflective and holds a 60’s feel to it. The beat is nice and I liked the little variations in sound.
“Hungry Ghosts” is in homage to the lingering presence of past lovers and pets. I think this was my favourite on the album. I liked it lyrically and the vocals are just right for the mood. Again, we have a 60’s feel, and this is one I could drive along to.
“Solid State” closes down the album in upbeat style as we sing about a world run on plastic bottles and fossil fuels. It warns about what is going on with a smile in the music.
And there we are…did I like it? I didn’t fall head over heels for “All Hat No Cattle,” but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its place. It’s a gentle, easy-going collection of songs that leans into the warm traditions of classic country and folk. Nothing here shouts for attention, but on the right evening – when the tea is hot, the world outside is a little too loud, and you just want something calm in the background – this album does its job rather well.
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By Lorraine Foley