Shenandoah Valley, Virginia based songwriter Brent Funkhouser does a lot of soul searching in his new EP Goodnight Dear Catherine.
The first track “Can’t Call It Waking Up” is soulful and reflective with strong instrumentation that conjures up real sadness with the last point in the song being driven home; “can’t call it waking up, I never slept at all.” The things that keep us awake sometimes are hard to bare and Brent does a fantastic job of capturing some of the things you never forget when going through a heartbreak.
The EP picks up steam by the time you get to “The Man I Wanna Be” with a song that is as reflective as it is interesting instrumentally. Evan Hunsberger’s work on drums brings this song to life along with longtime collaborator Jesse Dean’s signature guitar lead. Brent acknowledges he’s been naïve and that his foolishness in believing the world always offers up a “glass half full endlessly” is “Oh, what a foolish fantasy”. By the end of the song Brent will have you rooting for him, hoping the love of his life sees the man she wants to see.
This record peaks, in my humble opinion, on the song “Throwaway”, which is reminiscent of The Killers, but with a country vibe only a Shenandoah Valley, Virginia singer could deliver. The song has a garage rock feel as well which injects youthfulness into such wisdom and makes it a really fun song, which is a pleasant contrast from the first couple songs. Throwaway features Zach Benson on harmony vocals (this song will have you singing along by the end) and Zack Debey, another longtime collaborator on lead guitar.
You can tell Brent is an old soul with a youthful spirit, itching to get and stay on the highway, and just let the Americana out. This is a record that should be listened to once you’ve burned out your Isbell, Troubadours and Van Zandt records (if that’s possible).
You can listen to Brent Funkhouser’s new EP “Goodnight Dear Catherine” on Apple Music and Spotify. Learn more about the artist at www.brentfunkhousermusic.com