Angie and the Deserters EP ‘Blood Like Wine’ review

Angie and the Deserters released their sophomore EP on July 15. This Rock Americana band will please country and alternative fans alike.

Angie Bruyere is the singer/songwriter leading Angie and the Deserters. Though born in upstate New York, Bruyere relocated to southern California at a young age. After touring the world as a model, she settled into her passion for writing and performing music. Bruyere’s style is described as Americana rock or alternative country. Both are fitting descriptions for this artist’s endeavors. Blood Like Wine is Angie and the Deserters second EP, following the 2014 release of West of the Night.

Blood Like Wine opens with the sassy and engaging “Country Radio.” Bruyere’s voice contains a hint of twang and a touch of grit. Country and rock fans alike will be into this tune. Though the band is comprised of fairly standard alt country instruments, the electric guitar work here sets them apart. This uncensored track may not be for the kids, but adults will enjoy the unexpected kick to her lyrics.

Second on the album is “The Gift.” Country meets tango in this slower tune. Seemingly made for singing by moonlight, Bruyere turns in an unapologetically emotional performance in “The Gift.” To their credit, the band provides an instrumental backdrop that adds power to this song without drowning out the vocal message.

Where strength and sorrow meet

Following on Blood Like Wine are “Smile” and “Ain’t Goin Down.” The first is a bit of a sorrowful drinking song, while the second is a relatively up-tempo and defiant tune. However, neither have the same spark as track one and two. Though strong, they feel like something audiences have heard before.

The band quickly hits its stride again in “Don’t Cry.” This song walks a delicate line between strength and sorrow. While accessible enough to sing along to, it is not too obvious to be interesting. In closing, Angie and the Deserters leave listeners with “On My Way.” An apt ending to the record, the band shows off the alt in alt country. A slight smokiness adds to Bruyere’s country vocals, while strings add a darkness and depth to the arrangement.

Blood Like Wine is a strong sophomore effort from Angie and the Deserters. With an effective melding of rock and Americana influences, Bruyere’s music is likely to stay with listeners.