Lockdown must have been a tricky prospect to deal with for Ripley Johnson, the hardworking singer and multiinstrumentalist who is one half of Moon Duo and the frontman of west coast psychedelic rockers Wooden Shjips. Suddenly forced off the road, the enigmatic Johnson turned his hand instead to crafting a new album, despite only releasing his last offering as Rose City Band last summer.

That album – the evocatively titled Summerlong – was one of our favourites of last year, an easy listening, but deeply engaging collection of sunshine-infused country that was made even more special by the simple fact that it was almost entirely just the work of Johnson himself. As with Summerlong, the new album Earth Trip sees drummer John Jeffrey pick up the sticks once again, while this time Johnson is also joined at times by fellow Moon Duo bandmate Sanae Yamada on piano, as well as Ryan Jewell and Barry Walker on pedal steel guitar.

Opening track Silver Roses eases you in, it’s meandering guitars and soft drums perfectly framing Johnson’s mellow vocals as he whispers evocatively “moonrise on the lake / down the breakers to the bay / coast to coast, I’ll take it all / I’ll be home to stay”, while the harmonica flourishes on the near eight-minute In The Rain – Rose City Band’s new single – are truly wonderful. Closing track Dawn Patrol is another long, winding affair that clocks in at over nine minutes, and might just be the best of this collection, it’s soulful guitar lick playing neatly against the simple drum pattern.

Earth Trip is a record that feels like a love letter to the power of nature and the great outdoors, each song shimmering with a simple charm. In many ways it’s the perfect lockdown summer record, sweet and optimistic, with a feeling of gratitude for the simple things in life. 

Earth Trip tracklist:

1. Silver Roses
2. In The Rain
3. World Is Turning
4. Feel Of Love
5. Lonely Places
6. Ramblin’ With The Day
7. Rabbit
8. Dawn Patrol

Listen to In The Rain here.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.