If it’s possible to get drunk on sound alone, The Whiskey Charmers’ intoxicating self-titled debut album will do it. And it’s utterly unfathomable for me to comprehend how something that sounds like a soundtrack to a spaghetti western’s most sexy boudoir scene could possibly come from Detroit. And yet …
I imagine the formation of The Whiskey Charmers had to have come after a night of heavy drinking and even heavier talking. Perhaps it started when Carrie Shepard and Lawrence Daversa (
Brian Ferriby joined them on drums a little while later)
, already aware of each other from floating around “the scene,” sat down beside one another at a dive bar on the outskirts of town. As the night lingered, they continued to order their own shots, but drunkenly began telling their tales of heartache to anyone who would listen. Then, upon realizing they were the only ones paying attention, one of them piped up with, “Let’s start a Country band and tour America!” Most half-lit ideas turn out to be all for naught. The Whiskey Charmers’ bluesy, atmospheric Country vibe and tales of woe and wandering are sheer perfection.
Of course, the way Shepard’s sweet and sultry voice mixes with the twang and pull of Daversa’s guitar, resonator and lap steel actually suggests a closeness you’d find beyond bar room bonding. Are they dating, married or just entirely musically in tune? I could tell you, but it’d ruin their mystique. It’s best if you only see them in the corner of a room, lit by the glow of neon beer advertisements and imagine them unlocking side-by-side doors to shady motel rooms, brown paper bagged bottles in each of their hands.
THE WHISKEY CHARMERS plays a free show Thursday at Southgate House Revival's Lounge. More info here .