Reviews
"...Son Volt are, in essence, western balladeers. The difference is Farrar's mentality and restraint, which he lends expertly to simplistic, acoustic-flavored arrangements and classic western instrumentation. TRACE is like sensible shoes: nothing to kick-ass with, but just what you need when you need it.", "Son Volt’s 1995 debut remains a defining document of the ’90s alt-country movement, which singer and guitarist Jay Farrar helped spark with his previous band, Uncle Tupelo.", Ranked #13 in Village Voice's 1995 Pazz & Jop Critics' Poll., Included in A.P.'s "10 Essential Alt-Country Albums"., Ranked #9 in the 1996 Critics' Poll., "...Call It Hillbilly Alchemy: Son Volt Turns Heartland Rust Into Gold."-Rating: a, 8 (out of 10) - "...the sound of electricity humming through the wires above a back-woods country road....Jay Farrar hears the ragged rage of grunge in Hank Williams...seeks wounded solace in the sweet whine of the pedal steel and the bloody, blistered fingers of the weekend chickenwire thrash...", "...In a sane universe, Jay Farrar's gang would be rich and famous, thanks to his soulful, toe-tapping songs and sad-sack vocals....Son Volt is a welcome antidote to the new country blahs."
