Listen: Waitin on Mine by Steve Stout

Steve Stout Waitin on Mine Steve Stout’s Waitin on Mine opens with a simple instruction, a disembodied voice calls ‘Hit it!’, and the band leap into life. Every time I hear it over my headphones, it makes me jump — the voice seemingly right there. The sound that follows envelopes the listener, slightly steely guitars strum as a piano, played by Walker Igleheart, gently wanders through my mind. Written by Stout, together with M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger, the song employs a considered ear to its production. There is a psychedelic tightness to the music — a kind of unexpectedly vivid trip. The song achieves a colour that is surprisingly bright for such a conventional approach to instrumentation. In that sense, it reminds me of the creativity of Kurt Vile, who always seems to achieve so much with so little. There is also a little of MJ Lenderman’s relaxed story telling at play. As Waitin on Mine progresses, it gradually loops layers upon itself, like the record is picking up…