Ever since 2018’s True Blue, L.A. Edwards have been getting extra polished than their Americana roots may bear. Fortunately with this newest album they discover a canny buffer: post-Born To Run Bruce Springsteen.
Granted, Pie City doesn’t have anthems of that calibre, however by embracing heartland rock they seize the earnest heat of their earlier releases whereas leaning extra comfortably on their 80s pop tendencies.
At its greatest, this ends in rockers like Don’t Know Higher and I Gained’t, driving bass and stadium synths providing a way of buoyancy. However soulful numbers like For You and Angel Wait nonetheless really feel too slick, extra Moist Moist Moist than any Springsteen/Petty fan will need to attempt.
The center floor is staid nation rock, Little Sunshine and El Camino completely pleasant in case you don’t thoughts a lack of emotional depth, however particularly irritating when Waterfall and Can You See Me present the waters can run deep.