Nearly two months ago, Providence based singer-songwriter and Cranston resident Jake Hunsinger proceeded to release his debut full-length, Wrapped Around The Axle, with The Rock Bottom Band in unique fashion. It started with “Bottoms Up At Dusk,” a mini-festival taking place on August 14 at the heralded music venue Dusk located on 301 Harris Avenue in Providence to ring in the physical version of the album. Then they released the first single off of the album, “Lorelai,” digitally a few days later on August 18. Hunsinger and the gang then followed that up while putting out Wrapped Around The Axle on various digital platforms on September 23 via the local label HoboCastle Records, marking its official release. Even though they went with an unconventional plan to put it out, the music that’s within the record is abundant in quality and substance.

What will always set this country-rock band apart from others in the local music scene is the way Hunsinger relays his vocals. He sings in a way that harks back to classic country artists such as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. The instrumentation from lead guitarist Andrew Donnelly, drummer Zack Wedge and bassist Jaime Doyle round this characteristic out with twangy guitars, steady rhythms and catchy harmonies. It gives a modern spin on the country style that doesn’t lean towards pop, which is a refreshing thing. The sound courtesy of Grammy nominated producer and engineer George Dussault via Galilee Productions in Cumberland is excellent as well.

The lead single is actually inspired by Hunsinger watching the TV series Gilmore Girls with his mother, believe it or not. It has a very harmonious structure with his acoustic guitar leading the musical arrangements. “Black Eyeshadow Stomp” has Wedge exhibiting unique drumming with the lyrics having a way of sticking to the senses, especially during the chorus. Another track that has an emphatic vibe is “The Mess Around” with the song title describing the chaotic nature of the subject matter. Other highlights within the album include “Wild Horses of Wyoming,” “The Day My Life Began” and “Moving Without Me.”

Along with it being a stellar release, Wrapped Around The Axle also shows substantial growth for Hunsinger and his backing band. As musicians they’ve become more cohesive and the depth of the songwriting is very apparent. That’s why this album is a great one and it’s among the best records to come out of Rhode Island so far this year. To give it a listen, give the band name a search on your favorite streaming platform. To pick up a physical copy, keep track of the next time Jake Hunsinger & The Rock Bottom Band are performing live via their website at therockbottomband.com.