The War and Treaty from the album Lover’s Game

The War and Treaty from the album Lover’s Game

The War and Treaty from the album Lover’s Game available on Mercury Nashville (By Lee Zimmerman)

The rapid rise of The War and Treaty was clearly no accident. The duo, comprised of husband-and-wife Michael and Tanya Trotter, cross any number of stylistic parameters, bridging Rock, Soul, R&B, Gospel, and Americana within a smooth sequeway. In a very real sense, they promote a diversity and dynamic that not only defies musical boundaries, but also serves the cause of creating a common bond at a time when distance and divide threatens to create a permanent chasm.

Their new album, Lover’s Game, finds them in the able company of producer Dave Cobb, the man behind the boards for such notables as Brandi Carlile, John Prine, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, among any number of other A-list artists. To his credit, Cobb never intrudes on the proceedings, instead allowing the duo to emote with an authenticity that allows each of these songs to soar with erstwhile emotion. The arrangements are measured and sparse, allowing the vocals to take center stage. In a sense, the couple bare it all, sharing an honesty that reflects what it means to struggle and yet survive the realities of a relationship that’s both fragile and fulfilling.
 
The results are manifest in a set of songs that are simultaneously tender and tenacious, a no-holds barred approach that leaves no doubt as to their deeper desires. The emotive ballad “That’s How Love Is Made” sums things up succinctly, but any number of other songs — “Ain’t No Harmin’ Me”, “Blank Page”, “Angel”, “Up Yonder”, and “Yesterday’s Burn” — share similar sentiments. The pair’s remarkable chemistry, as manifested in the music’s determined delivery, occasionally tends to illuminate darker designs, but even so, it offers hope for possibilities fulfilled through commitment and concern. The expansive vocals that illuminate the song “Dumb Luck” allows that optimism to take center stage, and given their bond, the inspiration is obvious.
 
Ultimately Lover’s Game stands out as both revealing and revelatory, a remarkable testament to truly dynamic duo whose lessons learned can clearly shine a light for all at a time when it’s needed the most. Those who fail to be moved might best be advised to check for a pulse. Commanding and compelling, Lover’s Game is The War & Treaty’s greatest gambit yet. (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
 
Listen and buy the music of The War and Treaty from AMAZON
 
For more information head on over to The War and Party website