Jimbo Pap

“We put our pants on one leg at a time,” Jimbo Pap declare at the outset of their debut album It Can Always Get Worse. It’s an early indication of the unassuming, offbeat humor, self-effacing style and decidedly dry attitude that pervades the album as a whole. Taking their cue from the casual honkytonk and cool country sounds that informed bands like the Byrds and the Burrito Brothers, the group finds a core connection with their upbeat enthusiasm and an effortless delivery that makes every song seem to shine. Initiated by main songwriter Jim Bowers, formerly of the little appreciated indie outfit the Radar Brothers, the band manage to carve a credible niche immediately at the outset. The songs range from wry to wistful, with some — “Yard Sale,” “Nothing’s Quite the Same,” “Another Ticket on the Windshield” and the aforementioned “Submission (Nice Pants)” — making light of everyday happenstance. Immensely entertaining, it will be interesting to see what they come up with next. - Goldmine Magazine

Encompassing 11-tracks, the album begins with “Submission (Nice Pants),” which rides a deliciously sinuous SoCal country-rock melody reminiscent of the Eagles and Poco. The drawling cry of the steel guitar infuses the tune with slow aching colors, as the tasty vocal harmonies glide overhead.

From a subjective perspective, highlights include “Long Kiss Goodbye,” traveling on an austere melody topped by Bower’s voice. As the band joins in, the harmonics expand and swell, prior to dropping down once again, when gorgeous creamy backing harmonies suffuse the song.

“Queen Of My Lonely Little World” exudes scrumptious downhome country flavors akin to the heady days of Patsy Cline, as Shirock’s exquisitely dulcet tones imbue the tune with tantalizing melancholic savors. The title track opens on layers of acoustic guitars and Brannen’s dobro flowing into a yummy concoction of interweaving accents and colors.

The final track, “Someone’s Gonna Love Me Again” kicks things up a notch, delivering muscular guitars and a thumping, contagious rhythm, as well as a stellar guitar solo, nuanced by searing hues.

It Can Always Get Worse is wonderfully wrought, full of tangible textures, alluring rhythms, and beguiling vocal inflections. Indeed, it’s undoubtedly one of the best Americana albums of the year. - Randall Radic, medium.com