No One Gets Out Alive＜Gold & Red Vinyl＞

Singer Maggie Rose completes her phoenix-like transformation into a fiery country-soul powerhouse on her fourth album, 2024s No One Get Out Alive. The record reunites her with producer Ben Tanner, who also helmed 2021s Have a Seat. If that previous album found Rose embracing a rootsy blend of rock- and R&B-infused country anthems, then No One Get Out Alive perfects the concept, showcasing Roses highly resonant and throaty vocal style. Also adding analog instrumental textures are guitarist Sadler Vaden and drummer Chad Gamble (both from Jason Isbells 400 Unit), keyboardist Peter Levin (who has worked with artists like Amanda Shires and Gregg Allman), bassist Zac Cockrell (of Alabama Shakes), as well as two longtime Rose associates, keyboardist Kaitlyn Connor and guitarist Kyle Lewis. Rose lays down the stylistic gauntlet from the start, opening with the title track, a piano-driven power ballad with string backing that sounds amazingly like iconic British pop diva Dusty Springfield singing Paul McCartneys James Bond theme "Live and Let Die." She carries that kind of vintage-inspired energy throughout the rest of the album, evoking a 70s soul-meets-Laurel Canyon folk vibe on cuts like "Fake Flowers," "Only Time Around," and "Mad Love." ~ Matt Collar