Like the Canadian roots group the Rankins, U.S. 32 (Michael Francis Kline and Christy Kline) moves at its best when it stays above the minimum speed limit. Bluesy country and twangy rock tunes rattle on down the highway with great originality whereas country ballads sound like, well, country ballads.
Tumblin’ Home opens with “Down in the Field,” which cooks along quite nicely as you descend into the happy valley. “Mabel’s Car” slides along with a soulful John Mellencamp vibe. “Credit Card” comes charged up with a rockabilly blues, while the mandolin-soaked “Chasin’ the Sun” delivers the album’s best driving song.
But then tracks like “Every Other Weekend” and “Water Under the Bridge,” we’re back in rather staid country balladry, disappointments that are significant bumps along this otherwise well-built highway.
That said, when Michael takes lead vocal for the title track, a ballad, there’s a rootsy freshness to the Appalachian tones. U.S. 32’s version of “Jackson” smolders on handclaps without ever igniting—a tremendous tension held beautifully throughout the track right to the abrupt ending.
