The Chariot is the debut album from Minneapolis duo Sawtooth Witch, featuring fingerstyle guitarist Pat ‘Doc’ Dougherty and fiddler Haley Fleming. Drawing from hill-country blues and cosmic country, the record explores the unfulfilled American Dream and other relatable themes with sincerely impassioned resilience.
A soulful, bluesy invigoration takes hold on opening track “The Hustle.” “Give me your tired, your hungry and your poor, you won’t find a better workforce,” sweltering vocals let out amidst stomping rhythms. “Uncle Sam wants his blood from a stone,” they further, thematically addressing the challenges faced by laborers, financial disparity, and the unfulfilled promise of the American Dream. Scathing, perseverant, and confident, the track sets the album into motion with stylish vigor, delighting in both the gritty verses and wordlessly melodic hook approaching the two-minute mark. The project is capable of melodically gripping, thematically resonant songcraft, and it’s apparent right away here.
A multitude of highlights show throughout, from the fiddle-laden emotiveness within “Coming to America” to the ascent of moving balladry to cathartic allure within “The Dream.” Also exceptional is album finale “Leave The Light On.” “The truth will tear it apart,” passionate vocals meld with expressive guitar work, with riveting fiddle work during the title-bearing vocal proclamation. It’s another showcase in enthralling songwriting from Sawtooth Witch, impressing throughout the entire duration of The Chariot.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
