Under the mentorship of fellow Kentucky singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers unleashed a modern country music classic in 2017. “Purgatory,” his sophomore album, isn’t just a follow-up, but a baptism by fire; a raucous, heartfelt odyssey through the hollers and hills of Appalachia, told with Tyler’s signature blend of grit, vulnerability, and poetic storytelling that would solidify his place in the pantheon of country music’s greats.
The album explodes with the infectious energy of “I Swear (To God),” a foot-stomping anthem that celebrates a life lived on the razor’s edge, fueled by late nights, dilated pupils, and the wild spirit of the Big Sandy region. Childers’ voice, rough-hewn and honest, paints vivid scenes of youthful abandon, leaving listeners feeling like they were right there beside him, raising a glass to the moon.
The tempo shifts with “Feathered Indians,” a modern-day country classic that has earned its place in the hearts of many. It’s a bittersweet tale of young love, intertwined with regret and longing, all set against the backdrop of West Virginia’s rolling hills. Tyler recalls coming to the house of a religious girl, stoned out of his mind and regretful of his decisions. He paints a vivid picture of these same two young lovers sitting on a rooftop overlooking West Virginia and chain smoking cigarettes.
In perhaps the most powerful line on the album, Tyler sings “I’d run across the river just to hold you tonight.” If that line doesn’t hit you right in the feels then you simply may not be a human. While it is a classic song, there has been some criticism for his use of the epithet “Indian” and his pronunciation of it, but I personally don’t agree with the criticism. If anything, it serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of language and culture within Appalachia, a region grappling with its past and present.
We then move onto “Tattoos,” with its groovy, hip-hop-infused drum beat and soulful fiddle melodies, is a poignant reflection on lost love and the lingering pain of the past. Tyler, wondering where she’s sleeping at this point in time and opining that whiskey kills all things in time, sings “The past is fading, over time, but it’s still hanging on for life.” I think we’ve all been in a situation like this that lingers longer than it should’ve, and Tyler’s raw emotion cuts deep like the needle that etched those tattoos, with the song’s final chorus acting as a cathartic release that resonates long after the last note fades.
“Born Again” takes a surprising turn, told from the perspective of a wild animal facing its mortality. The song ebbs and flows, and the verses run perfectly into and out of the choruses. This track is a testament to Childers’ songwriting prowess, showcasing his ability to inhabit different perspectives and weave narratives that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living things.
“Whitehouse Road” brings back the energy, with driving rhythms and electrifying bass riffs that snake through the speakers like a backwoods moonshine still. These songs explore themes of rebellion, family ties, and the darker side of life in rural Appalachia, where secrets are buried deep and the past lingers. Childers’ storytelling is at its finest here, transporting listeners to clandestine moonshine operations, and in “Banded Clovis”, the scene of a chilling crime, where the line between right and wrong blurs like the shadows in the moonlight.
The title track, “Purgatory,” is a bluegrass-infused plea for salvation, with banjo and fiddle weaving a frenetic soundscape that evokes the urgency of a soul seeking redemption. Tyler, accompanied by a bass voice in the mix, urges a Catholic girl to pray for him, as she’s his only hope for Heaven. Tyler’s desperate yearning for grace is palpable, and the song’s raw energy is a force to be reckoned with, leaving listeners breathless and begging for more. This fast-paced song was eventually remade for “Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?” and while this version is for sure a classic, I have to say that I much prefer the funk instrumentation on the Jubilee version from the aforementioned album. It just hits in a totally different way, and Tyler’s vocal performance really shines over the blasting horns.
While “Honky Tonk Flame” might be a skip for some, “Universal Sound” is a contemplative gem that delves into the struggles of chasing dreams and battling personal demons. This one almost sounds like something of an 80s new wave or post-punk song, with some strange sounds for a country record. Tyler recalls his lover who he has left at home while he chases his dreams of becoming a famous musician. He reflects on his vices like drugs and drinking, and how simple life was as a child. He performs a bit of a meditation during the song, mentioning how he’s focused on his breathing and letting the universal sound take him over. It’s a vulnerable and introspective moment that showcases Tyler’s depth as an artist, reminding us that even the wildest spirits grapple with their own internal battles.
Finally, what a damn fine way to end this album with a love ballad to his wife, Senora May. The album closes with the tender “Lady May,” a beautiful and fitting conclusion to an album that explores the full spectrum of human experience. His use of metaphors in this song is otherworldly, and there is no experience quite like being at a hometown Tyler Childers show in Louisa as a single man and seeing the couples sway back and forth to this song. It’s beautifully haunting, and the lone guitar is the perfect companion to Tyler’s raspy voice and gorgeous wordplay. The song’s delicate melody and heartfelt lyrics are a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of life’s trials and tribulations.
“Purgatory” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, the raw honesty of country music, and the enduring legacy of the Kyova tri-state area. It’s a sonic landscape that captures the beauty, the pain, and the indomitable spirit of Appalachia, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who listen. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to Tyler’s music, “Purgatory” is an essential listen, a journey through the heart and soul of a region and an artist who are both unapologetically themselves.