With her debut LP, Roll with the Punches, Rebecca Porter builds on previous work, including her 2023 EP, Queen of the Local. That said, virtually every aspect of her M.O. has been tweaked, honed, and, in the case of several tracks, perfected. Her songs brim with hooks, even as her lyrics address difficult themes. Her voice is more seasoned, drawing the listener in. Additionally, the album’s instrumentation and production are seamless. Punches should win over new listeners while prompting loyal fans to bellow, “I knew her when!”
While tackling such subjects as abuse, being suckered by corporate cons, and dealing with the hardships of day-to-day life, a sense of indomitability infuses the album. On “Memories,” Porter is “struggling over pictures,” trying to track her psychological origins, how she became who she is. Her lyrics point to a notable unease about her life trajectory. Her voice, though, framed by keyboards, mandolin, and pedal-steel glissandi, exudes confidence.
The wildly catchy “Payday Loans,” describes how we can get ourselves in a bad bind when we borrow money we can’t repay, while “The Laundry Pile” is a slightly more humorous take on how we often fall behind on our chores. On both tracks, Porter’s vocal is nuanced, ready for the dive bar, the Grand Ole Opry, and/or the Americana mega-fest. Jason Summer on pedal steel, Ben Bailey on electric guitar, and Perry Blosser on fiddle offer invaluable contributions.
