Trying by The Ruralists

The Ruralists offer listeners unique sounds and lyrics with their second full-length recording, “Trying.” “The record is about turning 40, about facing death and taking a long look at the things you love," said band member Laremy Devries. “It's a pandemic record in a lot of ways and reflects that confusion as well. It's fun, it's serious, it's janky and lovely all at the same time. It's a little slice of life in a town that is northwest of nowhere.” The album features a variety of sounds including Hammond organ, accordion, baritone, trombone, saxophone, and empty beer kegs and barrels. If you listen closely to vocalist Luke Hawley, his voice might remind one of Bob Dylan. The music is unpredictable because the band starts with basic folk and adds different ingredients, just like a homemade soup. A couple song highlights include “Mother Mary,” with its beautiful saxophone, and “People are People Too.” The latter encourages giving others grace in relationships and says, in part: “Time here is really short; So let’s make up a plan; To be as kind as we can; Because people are people too.” The band members reside in Sioux Center, Iowa, and are members of Covenant CRC. The four members of the group also live near each other and celebrate community and rural living. (fullyruralized.com)