Rating: NN
Nova Scotia singer/songwriter Ryan Cook transitioned from hard rock to country and folk four years ago, inspired in part by Hank Williams (whose music he sometimes covers). With two EPs and an award-winning album, Hot Times, under his belt, Cook travelled to Nashville to record his sophomore disc.
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Where Hot Times’ sound was consistently old-timey, Peaks & Valleys brings in pop country, jazz and roots rock. On Wild Side Of Town, pedal steel and electric guitar complement Cook’s smooth croon and story songs. Alison Brown’s fluid banjo and Andy Leftwich’s fiddle on Gaspereau Valley are highlights.
Cook’s at his best when emulating the old stuff, bringing humour to O.C.D. Blues and zombie love song Dead Like Me. But country-radio-friendly If I Know Nothing Else and Sun are sugary to the point of unlistenable.
Top track: O.C.D. Blues
Ryan Cook plays the Horseshoe Tavern Monday (November 15).
