On their debut LP, the Yawpers attempted to capture the same grit, vigour and knack for storytelling that helped artists like Alejandro Escovedo, Steve Earle and Los Lobos shape what would later become known as alt country. On their sophomore LP, American Man, the Denver trio once again stay close to this formula, infusing the album's dozen dusty rockers with energy and gusto. Belting out over two acoustic guitars and a drum set, the Yawpers rely heavily on blocky dynamics and Nate Cook's raspy, whiskey-soaked howl to create the album's swelling drama.
Although much of the album seems like as a response to the wave of alt country-lite artists like the Lumineers or Mumford & Sons, American Man seems to fall into the same formula, leaving little space for new ideas. They make up for that with enthusiasm and just enough grit; for those who like their country punk-y, raw and simple, American Man is a breath of fresh tobacco.
(Bloodshot)Although much of the album seems like as a response to the wave of alt country-lite artists like the Lumineers or Mumford & Sons, American Man seems to fall into the same formula, leaving little space for new ideas. They make up for that with enthusiasm and just enough grit; for those who like their country punk-y, raw and simple, American Man is a breath of fresh tobacco.