Calder Allen, the talented fifth-generation Texan and rising star in the music industry, is set to captivate audiences once again with the release of his latest album, Dreamers, Drifters, and Hiders, on May 3, 2024. Born into a family with a rich musical heritage, Calder carries the legacy of his grandfather, the renowned country musician Terry Allen. Making his mark since debuting with The Game in 2022, Calder has quickly ascended the ranks of the music world, amassing over a million streams across various platforms.
Renowned for his exceptional songwriting skills, Calder Allen is hailed as one of the most promising talents in the genre. Calder’s approach to songwriting is thoughtful and deliberate. He aims to infuse his music with honesty, purity, and a reflection of his personal beliefs and experiences. “I just want to create with intent,” Calder states. “I want my songs to be pure, honest, and representative of who I am, what I believe, and what I envision for the world.”
Photo Credit: John Dougherty
Dreamers, Drifters and Hiders
Produced by the esteemed Charlie Sexton, a lifelong family friend, mentor, and acclaimed producer, Calder Allen’s new album, Dreamers, Drifters, and Hiders, offers an eclectic musical journey through its 11 tracks. This album takes listeners to unexpected places, showcasing a rich but unique sound that blends traditional and modern influences. While the acoustic guitar lays the foundational rythm, the album ventures across the musical spectrum, incorporating a diverse array of instruments.
From the soulful echo of organs and pianos setting the scene, to the warm wailing of a fiddle on darker tracks, and the surprising use of electronic and lo-fi drums that complement Calder’s deep, raspy vocals, Dreamers, Drifters, and Hiders is a masterclass in musical exploration. The album always maintains an impressive lyrical depth, painting a soundscape that is both somber and brooding. It leaves listeners enveloped in an atmosphere of angst and desperation, solidifying the brillance of Allen and Sexton’s collaboration.
Highlights
The debut single Floating Shoes from Calder Allen’s album serves as a befitting introduction to the album’s overall theme, marked by its lyrically and musically dark and enigmatic nature. The track opens with the synthetic beats of an electronic drum and the haunting echoes of a background fiddle, reminiscent of a distant, forlorn siren. The more I listened, the more I realized the song’s ambiguity might be its core point. Calder Allen explains that the essence of Floating Shoes is defined by its chorus: “Don’t go looking for no explanation, it will leave you wandering down an aisle of temptation.” He suggests that dwelling too deeply on the past can sometimes only serve to bring negative influences into the present.
Just Pray, another standout track, relies on a man’s heavy introspection, about personal life, or reflecting on the state of the world at large. It poses the notion that when answers are elusive and actions seem futile, the only answer is to “Just Pray.” The song toes a beautiful melancholic line, enriched by rolling guitar riffs and the sweetness of harmonized background vocals.
More Standout Tracks
The title track of Calder Allen’s album, Dreamers and Drifters, doubles down on the angst. The hard driving rhythm of each stanza is punctuated by the strumming of heavy electric guitars, highlighting the narrative urgency of a troubadour’s wandering existence and poetic lifestyle.
A Ripple Through takes a more deliberate turn towards the Country and Western genre, both musically and lyrically. The song cleverly juxtaposes the complexities of daily life with the unpredictable currents of a river, and the metaphorical entanglement in one’s own decisions and paths.
Skipping Stones emerges as my personal favorite from the album. Musically it steps outside the albums overall theme, possibly contributing to its standout appeal. This track is an acoustic homage to the therapeutic act of skipping stones across the water, a metaphor for finding peace and clarity amidst life’s tumults. Its simplicity flows seamlessly with the song’s message, further enhanced by the serene sounds of a slide guitar in the background.
Tracklist
- Conservationist
- Floating Shoes
- No Rush To Fly
- Just Pray
- High Rollers
- Dreamers and Drifters
- Ripple Through
- Give Me A Memory
- Skipping Stones
- Leave It All Behind
- Burned Bridge
Final Thoughts
Calder Allen colors outside of the lines with Dreamers, Drifters and Hiders.
Dreamers, Drifters, and Hiders is where country music shakes hands with the dreamlike and the unexpected. In this album, Calder Allen isn’t just playing music; he’s telling us his story, letting us peak into his mind. And what a story it is – you can’t help but lean in closer, wanting to catch every word. With lyrics that hit you right in the feels, musicianship that’s nothing short of precision and artistry, and arrangements that keep you on your toes, this album is a journey with something for everyone.
Album Release: May 3, 2024
Favorite Tracks: Floating Shoes, Skipping Stones
RootsnRevelry Grade:
For Tour and Merch: Follow Calder Allen
You may also be interested in Terry Allen – Amarillo Highway
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