Release Date: 19 September 2025
Song Count: 11
Rating: 8.3/10
Description:
A very interesting dive back into the world of indie rock music, God Made The Highway is the recent release of New Orleans-based band Lawn, and reportedly the very first album of theirs that was recorded in a studio. The band itself consists of Mac Folger and Rui de Magalhães joining forces; the songs inside of God Made The Highway, however, see several collaborations all around from musicians on backing vocals or different instruments beyond the duo's regular scope.
Summing up everything this album has to offer into one all-spanning definition shows itself to be nigh-impossible, as almost everything it throws at the listener is wildly different from what preceded just moments prior, alternating from a slow, floating introduction with "Water" to a more brunt punk-like sound with a low bassline and unsung vocals in "Lonely River Blues", a more melodic and generally approachable indie rock angle with "Davie", all the way to a polished and modern take on an old school rock 'n' roll-esque style with "Pressure", and so on. This variety in playing styles and clever arrangement of songs to constantly switch between these presented styles introduces constantly fresh and new ideas into the album and leaves the listener rarely, if ever, feeling bored or tired during the experience.
Most of the tracks carry along with them a simple instrumental composition of electric guitars, bass, drums and keys all taking the general spotlight, with the vocals acting as support and tools for emphasis - though exceptions are certainly present, especially with the wide catalogue of backing vocals that at times follow along with the main line of singing and at times stray off of the preset path, creating a stimulating yet pleasant effect of two harmonising lines playing together and competing for attention without adding an excessive amount of clutter, unneeded weight or otherwise extra unpleasant noise in what results of it. And this sort of "parallel" playing isn't just limited to vocals, either, as especially the guitars commonly engage in the phenomenon as well.
The upheld feeling of musical novelty fades to an extent towards the second half of the album's runtime, but makes its move once more in the last two tracks - an interlude, the titular "God Made The Highway" narratively tying things together, followed by an energetic, bass-led track, "Sports Gun", as the closing act. This final ramp-up in energy gives the album a well-earned ending and, even in spite of the final few seconds wrapping the song up rather suddenly, leaves the grand picture off on a high note.
A very solid, well-made album that most definitely deserves more attention!