Take Effect Reviews

Formerly known as the Hummingbyrds, these days Steve McWilliams and Debra Buonaccorsi are The Truehearts, and their Americana sounds are at an all time high where members of Calexico and Steeldrivers are on board.
“Won’t It Be Something” starts the album with warm rootsy rock that’s horn friendly, and “Sunshine And Violets” follows with a pretty duet of memorable folk-rock and an irresistible chorus. Elsewhere, banjo acrobatics infiltrate the upbeat “PFC Frankie Walker”, while “Mamzelle Marie” recruits spirited guitars for a retro-rocker that’s plenty frisky.

The second half of the album offers the soothing balladry of “Let It Sing”, where Buonaccorsi’s vocals soar high, the ultra melodic and jangly “32nd Street”, and the emotive, gentler sensibilities of “Late July”. The album ends on “Goodbye”, a beautiful display of dynamic interplay with Debra steering the ship.

Now residing in Nashville, this D.C./Baltimore duo display a superb formula of vocal harmonies, varied instrumentation and playful pop ideas in their country and folk spirit that’s impossible not to enjoy.

Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Terraplane; Elvis Costello- Almost Blue