Jason Sinay, formerly of The Dirty Knobs, has released a brand new single, “High Plains Drifter”, and it’s a mesmerizing glimpse into his forthcoming double album called “The Mountain” set for release in early January 2025.
With its infectious blend of cosmic country and jangly rock, this track transports you straight to the heart of the Old West while adding a fresh twist that’s everything Sinay.
Listen in here:
The song kicks off with a haunting melody, with Sinay’s airy vocals gliding effortlessly over the instrumentation. The lyrics explore the complexity of self-deception, with the striking refrain:
“Maybe Some Day, It’ll Dawn On You, Hanging From The Truth, Born To Be A Liar, Born To Be A Liar, Like Me, Like Me”
These lyrics prompt the listener to consider their own inner battles and the shadows we all carry.
What is impressive about “High Plains Drifter” is the collaboration amongst a highly talented group of musicians. With Bruce Watson’s guitar and Phil Parlapiano on keys, mandolin and squeezebox, Lance Morrison on bass, Matt Laug on drums, and Doug Livingston on pedal steel, the instrumentation is varied, rich and brooding. The pedal steel guitar adds a genuine Western touch, which really grounds the track with a strong Americana sound.
As the song builds toward an explosive group jam at the end, you can feel the energy shift. It’s a moment that captures the joy and spontaneity of a live performance.
The official music video to the song contains clips from some of the early silent comedy Westerns, combined with the lyrics, taking the listener on a fascinating, and sometimes hilarious journey, exploring the rough terrains horseback, the ups and downs of life on the road, ending with the lead character facing the camera directly to shoot:
In “High Plains Drifter” Sinay shows that he is not just another name in the crowd, but an artist with his own story to tell and a sound uniquely his own.
While Sinay is well known for collaborating with music icons like Keith Richards, Neil Young, Bob Weir, and Lucinda Williams, he has truly made his mark during his tenure with Mike Campbell’s band, the Dirty Knobs.
After parting ways with the Dirty Knobs following the release of “External Combustion” in 2022, Sinay has poured his energy into his solo career, and “The Mountain” album is his first major solo endeavor.
The album features a diverse array musicians, and produced and often co-written with the talented Martin Pradler, “The Mountain” combines powerful storytelling with a rich mix of genres. It also represents Sinay’s determination to forge new paths in music.
Listen to “High Plains Drifter” on Spotify now.
Connect with Jason Sinay on his Website.
