Sam Stoane Rides Into View with “Tales of the Dark West”: A New Voice in Western Soul
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The American West, with its sprawling vistas and enduring myths, has long served as a wellspring of artistic inspiration. Now, a fresh voice emerges to add her own compelling chapter to this rich narrative. Sam Stoane’s debut album, “Tales of the Dark West,” is a masterful fusion of timeless storytelling and bold Western soul, offering listeners a captivating journey through rugged landscapes and the sun-soaked nostalgia of her California roots. This album is more than just a musical collection; it’s an intimate portrait of Stoane’s spirit and sound, captured with raw authenticity.
“Tales of the Dark West” unfolds as a cinematic experience, guiding listeners through the various facets of frontier life, echoing untold histories, and celebrating quiet resilience. Each of the album’s thirteen tracks is a vivid brushstroke, painting scenes of dusty roads, saddle-worn mornings, and the complex emotional terrain of lives lived under vast, open skies. From windswept ballads that conjure images of solitude on the plains to modern-day cowboy anthems that pulse with contemporary energy, the record takes its audience on an evocative trail ride through time.
A Track-by-Track Journey Through the “Dark West”
The album opens with an intriguing “Intro” featuring Patrick Lyons, setting an atmospheric tone for what’s to come. This quickly transitions into “Coyote Cries,” a collaboration with Austin Plaine, which immediately establishes the album’s deep roots in the Western tradition. Stoane also pays homage to the classics with a spirited rendition of Gene Autry and Ray Whitley’s “Back In The Saddle Again,” demonstrating her respect for the genre’s heritage while infusing it with her own unique flair.
Original compositions form the heart of the album, showcasing Stoane’s prowess as a songwriter. Tracks like “Diesel,” co-written with Chris Rafetto, Jessica Cayne, and Kelly Sheehan, offer a contemporary edge to the Western sound, perhaps exploring themes of the modern-day wanderer. “Tehachapi,” penned with Maddie Lenhart and Austin Plaine, likely draws inspiration from the iconic California mountain pass, evoking a sense of journey and place.
The album also includes a poignant cover of Rodney Crowell’s “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues,” a nod to the emotional depth and vulnerability inherent in the Western soul genre. Stoane’s collaborations continue with “Cologne” (with Davis Corley) and “Close To You,” a solo composition, both hinting at more personal and introspective moments within the broader Western narrative.
The latter half of the album further solidifies Stoane’s storytelling capabilities. “A Good Horse And A Good Dog,” another collaboration with Maddie Lenhart and Austin Plaine, is bound to resonate with anyone who understands the simple yet profound companionship found in the Western lifestyle. “Calico Coal,” co-written with Maddie Lenhart and Colin Healy, and “Pretty Poppies,” with Chris Rafetto, Jessica Cayne, and Amie Miriello, suggest narratives rich in regional color and evocative imagery. The album crescendos with “Dead Man’s Alley” (with Will Pattat and Savannah Kasay) and culminates in the reflective “When My Time Comes,” featuring Patrick Lyons and Colin Healy, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of resilience and the enduring spirit of the West.
Roots-Forward Sound with Cloverdale Records
Sam Stoane’s “Tales of the Dark West” benefits greatly from the support of the artist-driven community at Cloverdale Records. This collaboration has allowed Stoane to cultivate a “roots-forward” sound that manages to feel both deeply nostalgic and refreshingly new. The production values are evident in the cohesive and deeply personal collection of songs that introduce listeners to Sam Stoane’s unique world: a world that is resilient, raw, and unapologetically real.
With “Tales of the Dark West,” Sam Stoane has not just released a debut album; she has unveiled a captivating musical landscape, inviting everyone to step into her vision of the American West. Her ability to weave contemporary themes with classic Western sensibilities marks her as an exciting new voice to watch in the expansive realm of roots music.