One Acre West self-titled
One Acre West, the project of singer Kristi Jean and songwriter/guitarist Steven Branstetter, unveils their self-titled debut long-player.
Recorded at Red Boot Ranch Studio in Buda, Texas, the self-titled album was produced by Bradley Kopp, whose credits include Jimmie Dale Gilmore, The Flatlanders, Alejandro Escovedo, and Charlie and Bruce Robison. The recording sessions highlighted a seasoned Austin ensemble, featuring Richard Bowden, Glenn Fukunaga, David Webb, Kevin Hall, and Grammy winner José Guzman.
Behind One Acre West is a path that winds through the Colorado Rockies, rural Texas, and Central Pennsylvania. Along the way, Kristi Jean and Steven Branstetter shaped a history marked by kinship, devotion, grief, reinvention, and the ache of seeing loved ones struggle beyond their reach.
The emotional terrain offers songs about staying the course, releasing what cannot be kept, moving on from familiar places, and rediscovering a sense of belonging. Musically, the duo blends classic country textures with Texas-style storytelling, folk warmth, and roots-rock drive.
Encompassing 10 tracks, entry points on the album include the swashbuckling “Bayou Man,” a song marinated in Louisiana honkytonk flavors. Driven by a luscious fiddle riding atop a contagious rhythm, the tune surges with electrifying energy. Jean’s powerhouse voice imbues the lyrics with sizzling pizzazz.
A personal favorite, “Boy Like That,” pushes forward with oodles of sonic punch and gooey twangy textures. The melody has a classic country feel, made even more irresistible by Jean’s rich, zesty vocals.
There’s a wonderful swaying motion to both the melody and Jean’s vocals on “Burn These Memories Down.” The way she bends her timbres upward is delightful and adds drama to the lamenting tones.
Shaded by voluptuous femme fatale tones, “Six Of One” allows Jean to parade the range of her evocative voice. It’s one of those voices that immediately pulls listeners in because of its subtle, resonant qualities.
On “Long Haul Lady,” One Acre West delivers a twang-filled melody replete with shiny, platinum guitars and a dazzling steel guitar riding a thrumming, pulsating beat that’s catchy as heck. Jean’s vocals, simultaneously smooth and vibrant, give the lyrics delicious, inflected nuances.
“She’s an outlaw / She knows every Haggard song / She leaves her big rig running at a honkytonk all night long … Long haul lady she’s bound to run you down.”
One Acre West arrives with a debut album that’s got all the makings of a yummy alt-country favorite: flavorsome music and terrific vocals.
Discover more about One Acres West here.