by Ian MacPhee (@i_macphee)
Brooklyn’s Dougie Poole has been quietly making his mark on the indie music scene for years. Self-described as country music, his songs are deeply creative and adventurous, but difficult to tie to any one genre. Poole’s latest release, The Freelancer’s Blues, is no exception. The new album is bold and catchy, and it’s blend of hi-fi studio aesthetics and woozy production make it instantly memorable. Released on Wharf Cat Records, The Freelancer’s Blues is an album people will be talking about for years to come.
The record begins with “Vaping on the Job.” Bolstered by pumping keys and punchy drums, Poole croons a tale of dreams unrealized, first-world stress, and the vape that offers the only breath of relief. The song was the first single released for the new album, and it’s tongue-in-cheek chorus is oddly relatable. Poole’s music sounds like a country bar on the outskirts of a metropolis, and “Vaping on the Job” transports listeners into its stale, hazy world.
The new songs have a drama similar to early Elvis Costello, despite their country sound. On “Claire,” Poole pairs cowboy tropes with modern imagery. Calling out to a bittersweet love, he sings of the time he’s wasted “waiting for your face to float across the screen on my phone,” grounding the song in the mundane reality of a technological era. Despite it’s classic rock flair, it sounds timeless, and Poole’s touching delivery showcases his ability to make a deeply personal song feel relatable.
The third single from the album, “The Who’s Who of Who Cares,” is sprawling and lush. Poole chose to include his full band when recording these songs, and the benefits of collaboration show in the dense arrangements. From a production standpoint, this track shines. Effected instruments weave between Poole’s vocals, yet the song never loses focus, a testament to Poole’s talents as a songwriter.
The Freelancer’s Blues is a remarkable album for many reasons. Poole’s managed to mold country music, a genre that’s been tired and commodified for decades, into something that’s uniquely his own. While his debut album Wideass Highway had a lo-fi, bedroom charm, his latest release feels more realized, while still retaining the home-made touch of his past works. Dougie Poole is a definite artist to watch.