Martin Devaney – House of Rust (Pig’s Eye)

In describing this sixth album from St. Paul, MN alt-country/Americana architect Devaney, I wouldn’t change much from my review of his second one, 2002’s September, from Big T’s issue 52. Devaney still “sings in a soft, fragile, and nakedly direct voice,” his “insights are always perceptive,” and his “engaging personality and the soothing ambience keep your attention from waning.” And while he’s got a mostly different backing band on this LP (aside from longtime collaborator, fiddle/mandolin player Jake Hyer), and their playing is more dexterous, they similarly add “the perfect blend of nice touches to each song.” As well, Devaney’s songwriting is sharper, and House’s production is more full-bodied, thanks to the knowledgeable knob-twiddling of guitar/organist Rich Mattson (whose own group Ol’ Yeller’s third album Penance I also coincidentally reviewed in that same issue 52!).

Devaney still ruminates on the romantic themes that dominated September, though from a more mature, meticulous 33-year-old’s perspective. For instance, on the upbeat, skipping “Lowertown,” he giddily and gingerly pursues a woman he’s been eagerly eyeing at his regular local watering hole (“Well, it’s easy to see the girl’s got class/all the way from her boots up to her shotglass,” he cunningly croons), while on the relaxed, fiddle/piano-flecked “Weddings and Funerals,” he reminisces with an ex-girlfriend who he always seems to encounter at one of those oft-occurring events. Both songs are enhanced by the pert vocals of Kate Murray, as is the twangy “Whiskey Kisses.” And on the bouncy, honky-tonky title track, he reassuringly tries to persuade his lover to stick out a setback-filled relationship.

But he’s got other things on his mind besides women. On the swaggering “You Can’t Win” and shuffling “In a Solemn Time,” he pensively ponders his life’s choices and prophesies his future direction, while on the languid “Magnolia Diner” and lovely “Last Call,” he relishes relaxed respites with comforting cups of coffee and the company of compadres. Since I’m shamelessly pilfering quotes from my September review, here’s one more that holds true for House of Rust: “you’ll find yourself happily succumbing to this LP’s intoxicating spell.” (martindevaney.bandcamp.com)