Tim Turophile – One More Last Chance
Born and raised on a west Texas cattle ranch, Tim crafts relatable songs of the challenges of letting go, with a roots rockin’ style and steel guitar and organ making frequent appearances in his new release One More Last Chance. These songs are a Southern rock and folk rock style of soul searching and re-evaluations of life choices. They weave in and out of road trips, saying good-bye again, and wondering when it’s time to stay, or whether it’s too late to stay. The album title – One More Last Chance – dovetails in with the themes of repeating departure and return, and an unwanted breakup that characterize the whole album.
“Interstate” is a song about that gal who is driving him deeply crazy, and an olive branch of hope that second chances will work out this time. On “Hum of the Highway,” life on the road takes a new twist, and it may be time to slow down from pursuing the dream: “No more standing on the sidelines / Not gonna let life pass me by / Gonna find something to hold onto, least for this moment because / Something’s bound to get broken, everyone I say goodbye.” It feels like it could be time to grow some roots. But is it too late?
“I Wanna Be Levon Helm” is a memorable and relatable number with a Southern rock inspirations a la The Band: there’s organ, and hallelujah high harmonies. “I don’t wanna be rich I wanna be Levon Helm / I wanna inspire some teenager playing in a rock n roll band / Cause fame is fleeting, but not a damn good song.” This song is truly excellent and a real showcase piece, and the ideals of living one’s dream life come through loud and clear.
“The Difference Between You and Me” is a kind hearted number with accordion and steel guitar and the difference is sweetly phrase: “I hide my heart and you wear it on your sleeve / please don’t change.” In this song, his heart is on his sleeve despite claims to the contrary and it strikes an authentic chord. The theme of inner struggle, uncertainty discontent then reappears with a different focus in “Devine.” The soul searching comes at a slower pace and it’s a goodnight and a goodbye to those who don’t come along for the ride.
In “Miles Between Us Now,” there’s been some time apart and the organ and guitar melodies are powerful and compelling, although by this point in the album it seems the relationship from the opening track may not last. Or will it? “And I’m searching for a song that won’t drag me down / Cause I find I miss you most when I’m driving all alone / I’m not sure that I’ll ever get over you, I fight the urge to turn this car around.” It’s a song about feeling unresolved and in limbo. In this one, also the guitar playing really smokes and it’s a great listen.
By “It’s All Over Now,” there’s a slow dance of regrets, with a house no longer a home, and there’s heartache: “I can’t tell you, cause you won’t answer your phone / That I’ll always love you alone / And you don’t want to hear it so maybe / It’s all over now.”
The album is a chronicling of the pain involved in a breakup that seems to be happening because of the partners’ different life circumstances. There’s a palpable anguish that we can all relate to, about the one that got away, but it’s not at all trite, it’s fresh and raw. The musicianship is outstanding and layered with a complexity without being a wash, and it’s eminently enjoyable.
Musicians on One More Last Chance are Tim Turophile on lead and backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, mandola, accordion, Hammond organ, acoustic and electric pianos; Ed Jarusinsky on drums; Rob Alton on bass; Dave Biller on steel and lap steel guitar; Eli Menezes on bass; Brian Hughes on bass; Ryan Hagler on bass; Paul Riekert on guitar; Kevin Butler on guitar; and Laura Jane Jones, Brian Douglas Phillips and Kevin Butler on background vocals.
The album was produced by Tim Turophile and Kevin Butler; mixed, engineered and mastered by Kevin Butler with additional assistance by Charlie Kramsky at Test Tube Studios in Austin, and recorded at 12th Street Studios. Album artwork and design was done by Colin Guerra.
Find more music here on Tim’s BandCamp page: https://timturophile.bandcamp.com/album/one-more-last-chance