Edgeland is a term describing the area between the city and country, a description that also suits
Kim Richey's music. Ever since her eponymous debut in 1995,
Richey has carved out a niche that incorporates deep Americana roots -- her affection for folk rivals her affection for country -- and an urbane sense of songcraft, but this 2018 album, her first in five years, accentuates how she doesn't quite belong to either world. This is to her benefit. Edgeland is a deeply felt, sharply rendered collection of songs that belong to an America that exists just outside the view of the mainstream. That's as true for the subjects of
Richey's songs as her music, which has strains of rolling folk, snappy country-rock, and jangling guitar pop. Perhaps guest
Robyn Hitchcock is responsible for those ringing guitars, but Edgeland is filled with guests who help
Richey navigate the distance between the downtown and the backwoods, including
Pat McLaughlin,
Mando Saenz, and
Chuck Prophet, who also co-wrote four songs. Such collaboration is instrumental to the success of Edgeland, helping it feel like something more than a collection of sharp songs: it lends the album a sense of warmth and community, which gives it a vibe that's distinct from the other fine albums
Richey has released over the years. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine