Jobi Riccio’s “Face the Feeling” Album Review on Americana Highways

ements that evoke both escape and introspection against the vast desert landscapes of New Mexico.
One of the highlights of Face the Feeling, and a track that perfectly encapsulates the album’s central themes, is the punk-leaning “Buzzkill.” It may initially bring Courtney Barnett to mind; yet make no mistake: Jobi Riccio possesses a distinct voice and identity of her own, requiring no comparison to carry this anthem about lingering adolescence and the anxieties of adulthood.

The finale, “Doesn’t Matter,” closes the opus on a striking musical contrast, balancing atmospheric passages with walls of saturated guitar. “The song is a reminder that life doesn’t just happen in our heads. It can be really empowering to tell the intrusive thoughts and stories that they don’t matter and quiet the voices that say you’re not good enough,” Jobi Riccio explains.
Jobi Riccio’s latest album, “Face the Feeling,” released on May 15 under Yep Roc Records, showcases her willingness to confront her anxieties and inner struggles head-on. Originating from Colorado and currently residing in Nashville, Riccio channels emotions such as rage, grief, and existential uncertainty into a source of power. The album seamlessly blends country-folk elements grounded in Nashville tradition with the dynamic essence of ’90s indie rock.

Exploring the interplay between light and darkness, Riccio’s music vividly expresses emotional intensity across the record’s eleven tracks. Opening with “A Little at a Time,” the song delves into the pain of a long-distance relationship set against a mellow beat, accompanied by a stellar string ensemble featuring Adrianna Mateo, Carolina Díaz Chan, and Sean Brennan, all orchestrated by Jesse Timm.

In tracks like “The Ridge,” echoes of ’90s indie rock resound prominently, at times reminiscent of Cat Clyde’s recent works. Riccio lyrically navigates self-awareness and emotional grounding inspired by nature. Describing the song, she mentions connecting with the natural world to understand her emotions more profoundly, especially during walks on a particular ridge from her childhood. The collaboration with Dom Billet on drums and Paul DeFiglia on bass, along with auditory layers added by Jesse Timm, enhances the track’s depth.

“Pilar, NM” reflects on the tendency of musicians to use life on the road as an escape from personal dilemmas, highlighting the eventual need to confront these issues honestly. The juxtaposition of pedal steel by Mike Robinson and nylon-string guitar by Isaiah Beard adds a dimension of escapism and introspection against the backdrop of New Mexico’s expansive desert landscapes.

Among the standout tracks on “Face the Feeling” is the punk-infused “Buzzkill,” embodying themes of prolonged adolescence and adult anxieties with a distinctive voice that sets Riccio apart. The album culminates in “Doesn’t Matter,” a composition marked by a contrasting mix of atmospheric interludes and intense guitar riffs, emphasizing the importance of silencing self-doubt and negative inner dialogues.

Through her music, Jobi Riccio crafts a narrative that encourages listeners to acknowledge and address their inner struggles, transforming vulnerability into strength. The album’s thematic depth and musical diversity make “Face the Feeling” a compelling exploration of human emotions and experiences.