Michael Louis Austin

Slug Magazine Michael Louis Austin = Jason Isbell x Ryan Adams As an overtly non-religious person, I’ve found that a fair amount of twangy country tracks with faith-driven lyrics have recently stumbled into my daily shuffle. I normally feel like such underlying messages of feel-good, have-hope, uplifting-isms would have me quickly skipping to the next track, but I can still admire clear, resounding vocals and steady guitar accompaniment when I hear it—and damn if I don’t love a strings-heavy instrumental bridge. Michael Louis Austin’s latest single begins strong and smooth—not unlike a chilled drink I expect would pair nicely with its toe tappin’ melody. My expectations were again surprisingly diverted when Austin’s voice and rasp entered in a pleasantly higher vocal range than I would’ve anticipated, helping the track lean more alternative-country than Americana. “Just Enough” is a well-produced single with lyrics that universally resonate, and I found myself lightly singing the chorus and considering its message long after the first listen. –Jamie Christensen