Carly Pearce - 29: Written In Stone: Live From Music City

“Nashville, are y’all ready for some Country music?” exclaims Carly Pearce as she launches into the breezy ‘Easy Going’.

It’s a fitting synopsis for the reigning ACM Female Artist Of The Year’s latest project, 29: Written In Stone: Live From Music City, recorded at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. It marks the conclusion of a hugely fruitful chapter for the Indiana native, who unashamedly continues to share her multifaceted story with relatability and pride.

29: Written In Stone: Live From Music City encapsulates every element of a top-notch live album; the roar of an adoring crowd, new live arrangements that add a different dimension to familiar fan favourites and a production style that allows Pearce’s killer vocal and intricate musicianship to breathe.

Showcasing the staggering honesty and vulnerability of the studio album, Pearce explores love, loss, heartbreak and everything in between, with a very audible audience hanging on every word.

From the fierce, attitude-filled opener ‘Diamondback,’ to the tragically endearing ‘29’, Pearce pulls no punches, and whether it’s pain or defiance, it seeps through every lyric.

Her tribute to her late producer Busbee, ‘Show Me Around,’ takes on a whole new level of earth-shattering poignancy with a stunning acoustic arrangement. Pearce really is a master of utilising pedal steel - it’s become her signature sound and as such is a key feature live.

An array of special guests adds icing on the cake. Powerhouse vocalist Lee Brice delights the crowd on the duo’s sublime hit, ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now,’ while Ashley McBryde takes the reins on the glorious ‘Never Wanted to Be That Girl.’

Outside the Country realms, contemporary Christian artist Matthew West adds his raspy flavour on the mellow ‘Truth Be Told,’ a track from West’s 2021 album Brand New, which more than stands up as one of the show’s highlights.

If Live From Music City is to be the final scene in the 29 act, it begs the question, what comes next? The dirty laundry has been hung out so far that it’s taking over the neighbours’ gardens.

But, what this 29 chapter has truly shown, is Pearce’s artistic bravery, authenticity and glowing respect for Country music’s traditions, all of which shine bright on these live recordings.

8/10

Carly Pearce's 2023 live album, 29: Written In Stone: Live from Music City, is released March 24th, 2023 via Big Machine Label Group. You can purchase the record from one of Holler's selected partners below:

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