For those not in the know, Den of Ashes is the name of singer/songwriter Ash.

The grandson of early country and western performers John & "Texas Peggy" Clemens (The Wyoming Ramblers, circa 1940s-1950's), they shared the stage, and had subsequent friendships with The Carter Family, Johnny Cash, Tex Ritter and Patsy Cline, amongst others.

The just-released Den of Ashes (Starry Eyed Records) - which in turn is the follow-up to his prior 2016 EP, Blackbird) - is a unique and intimate exploration into the human condition where each moody melodic song is about lost moments in time.

1. 'California'
2. 'Silver Dreams'
3. 'Easy Town'
4. 'Hangman'
5. 'Late Night Radio'
6. 'Living In My Dreams'
7. 'Sun In My Eyes'
8. 'Canyon Walls'

As much as the spoken vibe about this album has it, as aforementioned, as a collection of somewhat moody orchestrations, the opening title track defies that by being an upbeat and tour-guide savvy piece about the state itself.

OK, sure, 'Silver Dreams' and 'Easy Town' do both paint pictures of aspirations and venues that have seen better days, but then in 'Hangman' you sense a cheeky, sneaky chink in the albums makeup.

The lush storytelling of 'Late Night Radio' is one of my own personal favorites and that's followed by the more upbeat holding patterns displayed within 'Living In My Dreams.'

The album then comes to a close with a lonely salute to the bright CA sunshine and the western ache of 'Canyon Walls' thereafter.

Grammy-Award winner Lili Haydn also graces this richly authentic new album on violin along with famed pedal steel player Greg Leisz, Dan Rothschild on bass, Alex Alessandroni on piano, and Ash himself on vocals, guitar and harmonica.

www.denofashes.com

Den Of Ashes @ Facebook