If you’re a fan of Gram Parsons or Emmylou Harris, husband-and-wife duo Eleese and Matthew Meschery’s band name Brand New Heartache is bound to fire a spark of recognition. You might also be pleased to hear that the inspiration of Parsons and Harris can be felt throughout A New Alchemy, the couple’s debut album, as the Californian natives – who are recent transplants to Tennessee – showcase beautiful vocals, tight harmonies and, of course, a tale or two of heartache.
The airy, acoustic Montreal sees the couple dreaming of the city, of walking its streets as revellers spill from bars and the smell from bakeries fills the air, their harmonies so tight there is no room at all for movement. ‘Next Best Thing’ finds the couple taking alternating…