Kimberly Morgan York Releases New EP

Kimberly Morgan York’s “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense” is a four-song EP release from the Kentucky native, now living in the Athens, Georgia area. York has never abandoned her Appalachian roots, and they shine bright throughout these compositions. She drafted several guest contributors into the fold, such as Kevin Sweeney, John Neff, Neil Golden, and Bryan Howard, among others. These musical peers help York realize the full potential of this brief yet powerful collection. She’s the undisputed center, however, of the release.

She opens “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense” covering Terri Gibbs’ 1981 country smash “Somebody’s Knockin’”. It’s a track that’s begged for years to have someone revisit its sultry yet tasteful groove, and York makes an excellent choice with the song. She doesn’t have Gibbs’ soulful delivery. York, however, conveys a wealth of personality in her phrasing. It stamps the cut with a commanding presence that captures and holds your attention for the song’s entirety.

York shows impactful storytelling skills with the song “The Devil’s in Durango”. It embraces a classic country ballad sound without ever sounding directly imitative of any predecessor. Her voice duels with the pedal steel guitar presence to pronounced effect, and the mournful answers the latter provides to assorted lines throughout the song help establish a compelling dialogue between York and the guitar playing. It’s one of the EP’s brightest moments.

Another peak arrives with the jaunty “The Devil Works All Year Long”. York’s playful and assertive spirit sparks this song to life, but she’s joined by more great pedal steel playing contributions. They have a distinctive character for this track, however, and leave “The Devil Works All Year Long” shot through with light. Shifting gears from the elegiac mood of the second song into this rollicking track isn’t jarring but, instead, proves to be a seamless transition.

“Other Such Nonsense” concludes the EP in a memorable way. She makes this a tough, uncompromising blow-off to would-be suitors prattling on with the same old lines, laying out the same tired approaches. It is a song that doesn’t mince words, and the light-stepping beauty of her voice supplies quite a contrast with the lyrics. She scatters a smattering of pedal steel throughout the song, and the languid tempo suits her understated disdain. This is a song full of nuance and deceptively simple. Pay attention, and it pays off more than you might expect.

Kimberly Morgan York can’t claim a lengthy discography, but she nevertheless comes off like a veteran, a lifer. Her deep love for the classic country form comes across during each of “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense’s” four songs and never sounds or feels forced. Choosing and leading this EP off with such a venerable but perhaps forgotten chestnut as a cover may be a shrewd move garnering York attention she may not otherwise receive. She deserves attention, however, as “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense” plants a flag for her being one of the genre’s finest vocalists working today.

Kimberly Morgan York has recently treated music enthusiasts to a captivating four-song EP titled “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense.” Originally hailing from Kentucky and now residing in Athens, Georgia, York effortlessly maintains her Appalachian roots throughout this collection. To enhance the depth and richness of her music, she collaborates with several talented musicians, including Kevin Sweeney, John Neff, Neil Golden, and Bryan Howard, among others. In this brief yet compelling EP, Kimberly Morgan York takes the spotlight, and her artistry shines brightly.

Track 1: “Somebody’s Knockin’” (Cover)

York kicks off the EP with a rendition of Terri Gibbs’ 1981 country hit, “Somebody’s Knockin’.” This track has been yearning for a fresh interpretation, and York’s take on it is nothing short of exceptional. While she may not replicate Gibbs’ soulful delivery, York infuses the song with a wealth of personality through her unique phrasing. Her rendition exudes a commanding presence that captivates listeners from start to finish.

Track 2: “The Devil’s in Durango”

“The Devil’s in Durango” showcases York’s adept storytelling skills. It embraces the classic country ballad sound without mimicking its predecessors. York’s vocals engage in a delightful dance with the pedal steel guitar, creating a poignant dialogue between her and the instrument. This track stands out as one of the EP’s highlights, radiating a melancholic beauty.

Track 3: “The Devil Works All Year Long”

A shift in mood occurs with the jaunty “The Devil Works All Year Long.” York’s playful and assertive spirit infuses this song with energy, and once again, the pedal steel guitar contributions enhance the composition. The pedal steel guitar here has a distinct character, infusing the track with brightness. This transition from the somber atmosphere of the second track to the lively vibe of this one is seamless and engaging.

Track 4: “Other Such Nonsense”

The EP concludes with the memorable “Other Such Nonsense.” In this song, York delivers a no-nonsense message to repetitive suitors who resort to tired approaches. The lyrics are straightforward, contrasting with the delicate beauty of her vocals. York sprinkles the track with pedal steel elements, and the unhurried tempo complements her understated disdain. This song is rich in nuance and deceptively simple; it rewards careful listening.

Kimberly Morgan York may not boast an extensive discography, but she exudes the confidence and artistry of a seasoned artist. Her profound love for classic country music resonates through each of the four songs in “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense.” Her choice to open the EP with a venerable yet often-forgotten cover, “Somebody’s Knockin’,” is a shrewd move that is likely to garner the attention she deserves. Kimberly Morgan York stands out as one of the genre’s most exceptional vocalists, and “Devil Songs and Other Such Nonsense” serves as a testament to her talent and unwavering passion for country music.