Briscoe Explores New Horizons with “Roughnecks” and “Heat of July”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Texas-bred duo Briscoe, long celebrated for their distinctive blend of country, folk, and rock, and their signature intertwined vocals, are set to captivate audiences once again with their new single, “Roughnecks,” and the highly anticipated album, Heat of July. After relentlessly touring alongside acclaimed acts like Noah Kahan and Dave Matthews Band, Philip Lupton and Truett Heintzelman are taking a significant leap forward, both sonically and personally.
Heat of July marks a pivotal moment for Briscoe. While their debut album, West Of It All, earned them accolades, including a Top 40 hit on the Triple A chart with “The Well,” penned during their extensive road trips through the Arizona desert, this new offering delves deeper into their evolving lives. The album is a heartfelt celebration of the great outdoors and their roots as husbands and family men, reflecting the major shifts Philip and Truett experienced, having both married their longtime partners since West Of It All‘s success.
The sonic landscape of Heat of July is undeniably richer and more refined. This is due in no small part to the involvement of GRAMMY-nominated Brad Cook, a producer known for his work with artists like Waxahatchee and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweaters. Cook’s touch, combined with a “folk supergroup” featuring Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange) and studio musicians who have collaborated with Bon Iver, Houndmouth, and Hiss Golden Messenger, has elevated Briscoe’s raw, rootsy foundation into a polished folk-rock masterwork. The collaboration has allowed their inherent talent to truly shine, adding layers of intricate instrumentation and a broader sonic palette that will undoubtedly impress long-time fans and new listeners alike.
“Roughnecks” and the Grand Tapestry of Heat of July
The single “Roughnecks” serves as an intriguing preview of the album’s thematic and musical depth. While the full scope of Heat of July is expansive, offering a wide-angle view of the American landscape, “Roughnecks” hints at the powerful storytelling and evocative imagery that listeners can expect. The album’s title, inspired by the brutal summer heat of West Texas, perfectly encapsulates its essence: a powerful travelogue and a heartfelt tribute to the people and places that continue to inspire and anchor Briscoe to this day.
What makes Heat of July particularly compelling is its ability to showcase a pair of songwriters who have learned to grow without abandoning their foundations. Lupton and Heintzelman weave narratives that are both personal and universal, exploring themes of love, family, and the enduring connection to their roots. Their signature intertwined vocals remain a central pillar, now even more nuanced and expressive against the backdrop of the album’s expanded sound.
Briscoe has always been a band that connects with their audience through authenticity and relatable experiences. With Heat of July, they’ve not only maintained that connection but deepened it, offering a more mature and introspective look at their lives and the world around them. This album feels like a journey – one that is both familiar and excitingly new, cementing Briscoe’s place as a significant voice in contemporary folk and roots music.
If you’ve followed Briscoe’s journey, Heat of July is an essential listen that showcases their artistic evolution. And if you’re new to their music, this album is the perfect entry point to discover a duo truly hitting their stride.