The Kernal

Overview

Based out of Jackson, Tennessee (a small town in between Memphis and Nashville), The Kernal is a singer- songwriter who, as he calls it, plays "Imaginary Country Music." Listening to his debut album, Farewellhello (which comes to you hand-delivered by your postman as a digital download code packaged inside a beer bottle), this is an apt description. Farewellhello has a wonderfully worn-in feel to it; like it was custom built for long drives. With its Johnny Cash-style rhythm section, the playfully plucky opener "Where We're Standing" is a great introduction to the record, welcoming the listener in with its beautiful simplicity. But don't let that simplicity fool you, there's a confidence here that allows room for each song to breathe, giving way to subtle surprises in each song and at time a real sense of humor. While rooted in the nostalgia of yesterday's country sound, it also feels incredibly modern.