Will Quinlan and The Diviners hail from Tampa, FL, a town who’s music scene I know nothing about. It’s home to Nine Bullets, a great alt-country blog that first introduced me to Will Quinlan’s music. After first sampling a few tracks, I looked at the usual digital retail suspects and couldn’t find Navasota anywhere. I regret forgetting about Will altogether.
Luckily, the fast up and coming online retailer Amie Street surprised me last week when I ran across Will Quinlan’s album for less than $4.00. I promptly downloaded and have been listening since. Okay, enough about my buying behavior.
Will Quinlan and The Diviners play a brand of country music that’s hard to find amongst the weeds of mainstream pop garbage the genre puts out nowadays. Navasota’s songs are honest, well-written, introspective and full of joy and heartbreak. Will’s vocals on songs like “The Thieving Life” will remind you of Richard Buckner on Devotion and Doubt and at other times you’ll hear a bit of Old 97’s (”Plastic Rosary” and “Promise”) and Magnolia Electric Co. (”Navasota”).
Will Quinlan’s music isn’t meant to be reviewed by critics (luckily I’m an ameteur). I’d imagine that Will would be uncomfortable with too much praise for his seemingly simple songs. Navasota is an album you’ll feel you’ve heard somewhere before, maybe with a margarita in your hand. It’s comfort food for your ears.
Will Quinlan and The Diviners – Beatitudes
Will Quinlan and The Diviners – “Navasota”
