I sat down to listen to A Letter To a Friend twice and I quickly lost interest both times. The songs were dragging, the arrangements were forgettable, and the lyrics were far too vague. I even convinced myself to vacuum the apartment as an excuse to get out of finishing the album.

But two days later, when I sat down outside, put in my headphones, and started listening from the halfway point, things started to look up. Jeremy Davis’ lyrics were instantly relatable, the vocal harmonies were engaging, and there was enough energy that I didn’t feel the urge to do the dishes.

This album is just what you’d expect to come out of Rock Hill, South Carolina: solid folk footing complimented by powerful rock, tone, and attitude. A few years ago, that would have been enough, but with all the competition in that genre right now, Elonzo needs to find a way to stand out from the crowd. That being said, the last five songs more than make up for the first five.

“Cold Cold Heart” picks up the pace, suits Davis’s voice perfectly, and reminds you that at the end of the day we’re all just singing the blues. The female vocal harmonies take this from a track you might just remember to one you’ll have stuck in your head for days. And things heat up from there. With “I Think I Thought,” Elonzo provides a boot stomping, only in America, rock and roll barrage.

“Dearhunter” will grab your attention whether you’re at a show or sitting on the back porch swilling beer and “Don’t Be Downhearted” provides a great opportunity for a sloppy singalong after you’ve downed a few more. These tracks should be on your summer mixes.

To say that Elonzo’s sophomore offering hints of Band of Horses, Dr. Dog, or their North Carolina neighbors, The Avett Brothers doesn’t quite do them justice. It’s American. It’s folk. This is a band that can stand on their own. All the pieces are present and we should all cross our fingers for a follow up.

[bandcamp id=748366361]