Sydney seems an unlikely breeding ground for Australia’s next alt-country star. In fact, James Van Cooper spent his formative years obsessing over hard rocking hairbands like Motley Crue and LA Guns. However, once he discovered his country-rock leanings, there was no looking back. He made a pilgrimage to Tamworth, where he connected with Aussie country royalty Bill Chambers, before heading for Nashville. His debut album Coming Home shows he’s soaked up some valuable lessons about country and its associated genres while developing a sound all his own.
The single “Passing Through” is the perfect opener for this album, an upbeat slice of country-rock that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I’m a sucker for a country duet, and “Come Home” with Jaime Wyatt hits all the right notes for me. His roughened voice and her purer one contrast and complement one another so beautifully. The playful “Midnight Love” captures a moment in time so perfectly. “Goodbye My Friends” is rollicking good fun. “Lights Don’t Shine” has such a simple melody elevated by some of the album’s best lyrics. “Kew EQ” is probably the album’s simplest track. It’s very stripped back, with just an acoustic guitar accompanying James’ voice. But there’s something lovely about leaving us with that impression, of an artist simply standing on his own, letting his raw talent speak for itself.
Coming Home showcases the gifts of this talented young Aussie. James Van Cooper builds his tunes on a solid foundation of quality songwriting, real guitar prowess, and earthy vocals. He wears his influences on his sleeve, with tracks that play around with bluegrass, Americana, and traditional country. However, he’s bringing something fresh to the table. This album has the kind of crossover appeal you’ll find in works by Phillip Phillips, Jason Isbell, and Ryan Adams.
Coming Home drops today. James Van Cooper will celebrate its release with the following shows, supported by Axle Whitehead.
14 September 2018 – SLYFOX, Enmore (Album Launch)
15 September 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
22 September 2018 – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth
5 October 2018 – Spotted Mallard, Brunswick
19 October 2018 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
27 October 2018 – The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mayfield
Image used with permission from Rock This Country