AUBURN: Irish review

Auburn Game Of Faith Scarlet/Gonzo

This artist is Liz Lenten who is based in England and who recorded in Nashville for this album. She is joined by the legendary Thomm Jutz, (Nanci Griffiths, Mary Gauthier), who produced and played guitars, Mark Fain on bass (Ry Cooder, Ricky Skaggs), Lynn Williams on drums (Delbert McClinton, Lee Roy Parnell, The Wallflowers) and Britt Savage on harmony vocals (Garth Brooks, Crystal Gayle). Quite a line up and the song themes focus on a range of reflections around trust. Lenten lost her voice some years ago and in rebuilding her career she has had plenty of reason to put her faith and trust in the power of music to pull her through.

 The new release features a strategy-based card game which is something of a departure from the normal promo props one is used to seeing – mind you, my advance copy didn’t include the card game so I can only ponder its powers! Lenten has an unusual vocal delivery which may not suit all tastes but she certainly sings with a unique character and conviction and songs like I Drank and Misshapen Fruit show a quirky edge. This is her fifth release since 2011 when Auburn reunited after taking a career break in order to raise families. 

There is a range of influences here, from the Western swing of Trinidad to the roots groove of Red Velvet Pillow, I Don’t Love Him and Float To Blue. Spoke In The Wheel and It’s Not Love carry a more commercial, contemporary sound while the Country feel of Like I Do and the acoustic atmosphere of His Arms both soothe the senses. The title track is influenced by the blues, as is the Bad Girl, Good Woman song arrangement. The playing is superb throughout with understated feel supporting the song structures and a ‘less-is-more’ touch on the entire project. 

Review by Paul McGee

Lonesome Highway, Irish magazine/website
https://www.lonesomehighway.com/music-reviews/2019/8/7/ytn3ewurhuuyv333t319rtauvvf4rv  (review) CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO # Auburn Liz Lenten formed AUBURN in the summer of 1999. Their first gig was at the jam-packed launch party of Scarlet Records held at the salubrious and smoky Madame JoJo’s in Soho to a..