Arkansas native Justin Sexton released their first EP, Gypsy Wind, this past summer. Yet, Sexton is no stranger to music. Since his youth, he has been a dedicated songwriter and collaborator that has spent years honing his craft. Gypsy Wind is merely his first solo release, and it’s clear in these five tracks that he is no amateur.
The opening track “Gypsy Wind” introduces the themes that filter throughout the EP. Sexton sings of a hardworking life on the road, one that leaves little time for committed relationships but a lot of time for thinking about missed chances. The clean acoustics here match Sexton’s clear vocals, and I appreciate starting an album—the title track no less—with a softer approach.
The instrumentals pick up in the second song “In The Rain” where Sexton reveals more about how he sees himself, as one of the few true country artists “out there in the rain” where “our horses can’t be tamed” (“In The Rain”). However, it’s a way of life that, as the subsequent track discloses, can be a lonely one.
In “Heaven Forbid,” Sexton evokes a classic 90s country heartache sound as he croons about what he’d do with another chance at love. The use of female backup vocals here is a smart move that provides the song with additional depth. “County Road 57” comes across like part two of the narrative that Sexton weaves in “Heaven Forbid.” The detailed plans and impressive fingerpicking are hopeful and light, and it serves as a nice segue into the album’s final track—which happens to be my favorite.
“Average Hillbilly” is edgier that the previous tracks, and the use of distortion ends the EP on a bold, confident note. Echoing earlier sentiments, Justin Sexton is here to give listeners authentic country music, where, “You gotta get your boots gritty” (“Average Hillbilly”). “With all the songs about Hank,” Sexton sings, “I’m beginning to think that you can live in the city and call it hillbilly.” While Gypsy Wind may lean into the hillbilly persona, it’s certainly a sophisticated album from an artist to watch in the new year.
Reviewed by Anelise Haukaas