Tin Roof Echo, the musical project of Joe Hooten, originated in the vibrant music scene of Macon, Georgia, but has since found a long-term home in Asheville, North Carolina. Since his debut in 2014 with “The Original Plan,” Hooten has released six studio albums, all marked by his DIY recording style and introspective songwriting. His latest work, “Flowers Falling,” continues to showcase his diverse influences — keep reading for my thoughts!
“Flowers Falling” opens with the track “Everything That’s Green,” where the instruments slowly announce each other — with the gentle electric guitars in the background and the expressive drumming comes a lush, rising soundscape that sets the stage perfectly for Joe’s lyrics — and as the refrain “here’s my warning today” echoes, the song builds a chilling, almost foreboding atmosphere that I can’t describe as anything but hypnotic; the sound is rich, the execution promising for the rest of “Flowers Falling”.
As we gently bid adieu to the first track and segue into the second, “Space 4 U and Me,” Hooten slows things down, offering a deeply personal performance backed by the warm, bright acoustic guitars and pianos, as he delves into lyrical themes that express, rather beautifully, the colours of loss, melancholy, and wistfulness. “The Thief” shifts the gears a little with a gentler, more intimate sound that, with its deep, rumbling percussion, creates great emotive impact. The lyrics are wistful and vulnerable, with an intimate quality to Joe’s singing that makes it an instant tear-jerker; and for good reason. As one finds themselves shuffling gently to the rhythm of this song, they’re left feeling a tumultuous storm of emotion, ranging from optimism to wistfulness, to loss and grief.
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The production on “Flowers Falling” derives sounds from genres far and wide — from singer-songwriter foundations to ceilings in classic rock and country music, Joe brings it all to the table — and brings them to the table for the most emotive impact he can muster — and boy is it ever so good; the instruments shuffle in and out at just the right times, the drums pick up the energy just as you would expect the songs to turn a corner; yet, there is a certain allure, a certain mystery with this album that one just cannot miss. The heart-on-sleeve nature of the lyrics and the absolutely beautiful melodic arrangements make “Flowers Falling” a captivating listen, time and again.
Some other standout tracks on this album include the warm, sunny “You Are The Town”, the quietly introspective “Busted Drawers & Mirror Stands”, and as we bring the album to a close with “Love Will Be Enough”, we’re left with the bittersweet, nostalgic hope that this album brings, evoking quite the catharsis from start to end.
The mixing on this album is par excellence, with much to appreciate about the staging of the instruments, the vocal performances, and if the goal was to bring a happy tear to the eye of the listener, this album accomplishes it overwhelmingly well.
Take a listen to “Flowers Falling” here!
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