A couple years back we stumbled across a YouTube video from Peoria Music Live, a longhaired dude in a Waylon shirt with a five piece band ripping through a Sturgill Simpson, Cody Jinks and George Jones medley… flawlessly. Not an easy task to take those artists on, and do it justice…

There was no way a honky-tonk band from the Midwest would fly under our radar, especially with those artists in their repertoire. For a year, all we had were a handful of YouTube videos, an Instagram follow and shows that were just out of reach. That was until November 14th, 2021 when we got our hands on that sweet, sweet taste of Midwestern honky-tonk music – with the first studio album from Nick Sizemore, properly titled- “Where the Lonesome Roam.”

From the moment we hit play, and with the pluck of that pedal steel guitar we were taken to a dark two-lane highway, tired, lonesome but very content. That opening song was the title track to the album “Where the Lonesome Roam.” It is reminiscent of that classic Outlaw sound which seems to be all but forgotten unless you go digging. It introduces the baritone pipes of Nick Sizemore who at times uses it in the same vein as Johnny Cash with a splash of Junior Brown in there – but undeniably his own. As the album progresses you can definitely pick up on the classic country influences along the way – less middle-finger in the air, skull and bones whiskey outlaw country – more of those good old fashioned cowboy songs of the 50s and 60s.

If you are into any of them old cowboy songs, the album doesn’t disappoint. “Add Up To Nothin’ (Highs and Lows)” is a classic sad country song that likely gets better and better the farther down the bottle you go. One of those 2am, sway back and forth tracks that will have you smiling or crying depending on where your head space is at. It’s also a song that highlights Nick’s writing ability and adherence to storytelling, making you feel as though you are the subject, putting the listener in the song. Common truths that always make a great country song are not missed on this track.

With Nick’s voice and influences, this could of easily turned into a Waylon Jennings tribute album – which can be a bit of a trap for young artists carrying the Outlaw torch. However, the album doesn’t take long to switch gears. “High Road Home” (written by fellow Illinois Native Joe Stamm) takes you out of the honky tonk and into the heartland rock arena. Atmospheric with a great melody, it is a great rendition of an already amazing song that is well placed on the album, as it keep you guessing as to what lies ahead.

“Slow Way Down” as of this writing is our favorite track on the album. If you are fan of productions from T Bone Burnett (Crazy Heart, Robert Plant/Allison Krause) – this one might just be in your wheelhouse. It carries with it the lonesome sound but in a more relaxing mellow way. This is that track you want to put on repeat, burn one down and just sink in. The layered vocals, the distinct bass line – it is simply just a beautiful composition. That said, there is a distinct quality in the overall production of the record, which can really make or break an album. This was the debut production from Brett Robinson and the Alabama Sound Company and they truly knocked it out of the park.

The album closes with “Let’s All Help The Cowboys Sing the Blues” and we must say – it was a big cherry on top of the 10 track journey. While we did mention the Waylon comparison can be a trap – sometimes, you just gotta give the people what they want!! When you take the street credit of the members of the Alabama Sound Company and add the talent and voice of Nick Sizemore, you can do all the Waylon you want. It’s a treat and one we have put on repeat over and over again.

Simply put, ‘Where the Lonesome Roam’ is just a great country record. It carries with it all the qualities of the classic country we love but a fresh sound and a proper introduction to Nick Sizemore. It is the right blend of original songs and a very well curated set of renditions from some of our favorite artists, past and present. Right out of the gate Sizemore (and the Alabama Sound Company) have put together a record that is solid country gold and with the open road ahead, we can not wait to see where this journey leads in the years to come.

Be sure to check out Nick Sizemore’s “Where the Lonesome Roam” on your favorite streaming service and visit his Facebook Page to stay up to date on news, shows and more!

Cheers…