M. Lockwood Porter - 27

'27' is the sophomore album from M. Lockwood Porter, released on Hidden Trail Records.From rural Oklahoma, M. Lockwood Porter's songs toe the line between country-tinged Americana and straight-up rock-and-roll, with poetic storytelling front and centre recalling his birthplace and a childhood spent exploring the far reaches of the rock canon. The result is something close to timeless - reminiscent at times of Neil Young, Wilco, Ryan Adams, and Bruce Springsteen.Porter first caught the attention of many fans and critics with the release of his home-recorded debut LP 'Judah's Gone' in July 2013, with the follow up '27' being the bold, carefully crafted work of a talented young artist. Here we find Porter wrestling with a growing awareness of life's limited possibilities with a mixture of melancholy and defiance similar to that of Carter-era Springsteen, describing failing relationships with a nuanced poignancy, while also eulogizing Big Star founder Chris Bell - who died aged '27'.'27' was primarily recorded in San Francisco's Hyde Street Studio C - where classic albums like Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Cosmo's Factory' and Grateful Dead's 'American Beauty' were recorded. Showcased on these songs is Porter's new live band who are both tight and spontaneous, sounding something like a cross between Tom Petty's Heartbreakers, The Band, and Wilco - bringing a rawness and intimacy to the performances that a home recording never could.