Prepare For More Clichéd Country In Tyler Childers' "Purgatory"

There's never been a more accurate stigma than the one attached to country music. For some, the twangy upbeat vibes are exactly what you need. For others, hearing the same themes of drinking, trucks, and girls gets boring. Prepare for more clichéd country in Tyler Childers' Purgatory, which sums up country pretty well.

It opens endearingly, some twangy strings introducing 'I Swear (To God).' It soon devolves into an old-fashioned folk country style, which is nice but just not all that invigorating. This album doesn't attempt to dodge any stereotypes, which is painfully evident on 'Whitehouse Road,' which is an entire song about doing hard drugs and being hungover. And on the subject of terrible meanings for songs, 'Feathered Indian' might be the worst song about sex anyone will ever hear.

There are some intriguing moments, though. It's not often a pure country record will catch my ear. 'Tattoos' is surprisingly sweet, something in the gentle delivery really makes it sound nice. There's a curiosity to it and the folk aspects are subdued rather than being overbearing as they are on much of the record, which is also very appreciated. 'Universal Sound' at the end of the record is a very alternative track and actually quite intriguing, though its not perfect its definitely a much more inviting track than much of the rest of the record.

Prepare for more clichéd country in Tyler Childers' Purgatory, with many less-than standard country-infused folk to go with the record. There are a few brighter moments on the record that show promise, but nothing that builds up to much. If old-school country is your thing, this album is for you. If it's not, then stay away.

Favorite Track: Universal Sound

Least Favorite Track: Feathered Indians

Rating: 49 / 100

Stream or buy Purgatory on Apple Music: