Review of Erik Vincent Huey’s “Fort Defiance” on Rock & Blues Muse

debut album by Erik Vincent Huey, Appalachian Gothic, received praise for its autobiographical concept. Now, with his second full-length album, Fort Defiance, he collaborates with renowned musician Eric “Roscoe” Ambel. Huey, hailing from a lineage of coal miners, grew up in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania before moving to Austin, favoring the Outlaw Country genre. As the frontman of The Surreal McCoys, known as Cletus McCoy, he embodies an outlaw swagger and punk influences in his music.
Fort Defiance features guest appearances from Tommy Stinson and Sarah Borges, offering a diverse array of styles and influences. Backed by Baltimore’s Starbelly band, Huey’s album blends power pop with twang and hints of punk, creating a unique musical experience. With ten original tracks and a cover of Dylan’s “Jokerman,” the album showcases an eclectic mix of sounds and themes.
In tracks like “All Out of Angels,” “40 Tons of Speed,” and “Things You Left Behind,” Huey explores themes of nomadic life and longing for home. The title track, “Fort Defiance,” is a roots-rock anthem with a powerful chorus and stand-out lyrics. The collaborative effort between Ambel and Huey on “The Gutter & The Stars” captures the essence of escape and redemption, reminiscent of classic rock anthems.
“Ghosts of Chelsea Hotel” introduces Celtic punk influences, while “Greivous Angels” and “Cutlass Supreme” showcase Americana storytelling at its finest. “The Hatfield Action” channels raw rock n’ roll energy with a Chuck Berry flair, inviting listeners to hit the road. “King of Tears” maintains a steady rock groove, leading into a punk-infused rendition of Dylan’s “Jokerman” that adds a new dimension to the original track.
Erik Vincent Huey’s Fort Defiance offers a diverse musical journey that combines elements of Americana, rock, punk, and outlaw country. With Ambel’s production expertise and guest appearances from iconic musicians, the album showcases Huey’s ability to craft compelling storytelling through his music. From the reflective lyrics of his opening tracks to the energetic rock anthems that close the album, Fort Defiance is a testament to Huey’s artistic evolution and his ability to captivate listeners with his raw and honest songwriting.