ENOUGH ROPE - CHRIS KNIGHT
While more mainstream country acts bluster about rednecks and hillbillies like it’s a fashion statement, Kentucky’s Chris Knight sings about rural fatalism and alienation with razor-sharp perception and narrative aplomb. By his own admission, the “body count’s not as high” on his Drifter’s Church debut, but the impact is just as powerful as Knight ups both the rock and violence quotient on “Jack Blue” and “Up From the Hill,” then boogies convincingly on “River Road.” “Rural Route” teems with stoic resignation, and the powerful “Dirt” hits home with its bitter take on urban sprawl. Elsewhere, “Old Man” and “William’s Son” recall early Steve Earle in their well-drawn character studies. The touring life is examined on “To Get Back Home,” and the title cut is sad, beautiful and strong, a moving coda to perhaps Knight’s best work yet. Billboard
