Perhaps the hardest-working musician in San Antonio, not a day goes by that Garrett T. Capps isn’t making progress. Having just played Pickathon, one of my favorite festivals in the United States, Garrett and gang are preparing for their second European tour. Many local musicians could learn from Garrett T. Capps’s process (and work ethic) regardless of their genre or personal music preferences. Gaining momentum from his single, “Born in San Antone” (notably featured in the ShowTime series, Billions) and touring relentlessly, Garrett is well on his way to earning a spot on the short list of successful San Antonio musicians.
It can be a challenge to keep up with the many variations of Garrett’s projects. I’m still uncertain how many Timers there are, or if it’s NASA Country or NAFTA Country – fortunately, you need not worry. Whichever version of Garrett you get, you’re guaranteed a double dose of southern drawl cut with enough “VIVA!” to fill your yellow jumpsuits and cowboy hats. With this, I eagerly welcome the release of the musically rich, new album All Right, All Night by Garrett T. Capps.
As a musician, I find it incredibly unfair for fans and publications to criticize a band or artist for trying something new or developing a new sound. For better or worse, we’re all guilty sometimes. However, the proverbial playlist of Garrett’s projects – including the new album – is… just right. Relative to previous releases, GTC’s third full length album, All Right All Night is instrumentally more polished. A lyrically confident Capps fashions a refreshing depth that showcases the albums’ exemplary cohesion, candor, and production. While Y Los Lonely Hipsters and In The Shadows (Again) are rougher around the edges (a quality I find charming) you can hear Capp’s sound mature as he grows older and more experienced, and with age and experience comes opportunity. While In the Shadows (Again) is a great album and holds up well among his catalog, the impressive list of musicians featured on All Right, All Night adds significant heft – notably, Texas accordionist, Augie Meyers, Buttercup’s Odie, and Torin Metz (a member of Sunjammer and my all-time favorite local Texas band, Wild Blood) are just a few of the special guests featured on the album.
With a startling slap in the face (the good kind), the title track hits with a relatable optimism that is much needed, and often hard to find these days. The album escorts the listener through Garrett’s introspective-wayfaring outlook on the way things are, gleaning a tasteful reassurance layered with gospel-esque background vocals.
I think most folks would agree I’m not the most optimist person. Falling in line with that sentiment, my favorite track is the slow and powerful “Lonely Heart (feat. Carson McHone).” The exaggerated, opening matter-of-fact line, “you’re gonna die….” gives you enough time to wonder what the end of the phrase may be, or if there’s an end at all. The song addresses a deteriorated romance. With a poetic vulnerability, albeit accusatory and apologetic at times, Garrett is able to say “this isn’t only my fault.”
The album ends with the slow burning track, “Brand New Dance.” Filled with hopeful lyrics that plainly reference new beginnings and second chances, the song aptly brings listeners back to the initial optimism of the title track. Conversely, the tenor of the tune challenges with tones drenched in bitterness and sarcasm that leave me with feelings of bleakness and melancholy.
All Right, All Night by Garrett T. Capps is an incredible, developed demonstration in maturity and patience. I can’t wait to see what else Garrett has up his sleeve. Follow your hearts, support local music and catch the release of All Right, All Night at Lonesome Rose on August 30th with supporting artists, Kathryn Legendre, Jonathan Terrell, Mayeux Broussard, and DJ Disko Cowboy. $10 gets you in the door (21+ only), and $30 will get you a ticket and a fresh copy of the brand new GTC LP the day it’s released. Last but not least, the first 100 attendees to arrive will recieve a screen printed poster designed by Cattywampus Press.
Written by Josh Borchardt
