Review: Post Monroe EP

There have been great strides made by female singer-songwriters in the Country music format as of late. That is obvious when you look at the career progress of acts such as Cam, Jana Kramer, and Kelsea Ballerini. So, needless to say, the opportunities are becoming a little bit more plentiful for women these days. Hopefully, that trend will lend itself to a very talented trio called Post Monroe.

Comprised of Ashlee Hewitt, Whitney Duncan and Shelby McLeod, the trio has been named to many “Ones To Watch” lists as of late. And….those prognosticators are not wrong in the slightest.

A trio that manages to be contemporary in their approach yet still retain a traditional flavor, Post Monroe hits the mark immediately with the infectious “Half Hearted,” which sets itself apart with their tight and breezy harmonies. It’s definitely a song that will make you want to roll down the window and sing along loudly. That sound grows from track to track, hitting its’ peak with the fun “Red Hot American Summer.” Designated as the set’s first single, the song should have no problem catching on with radio stations across the country. It’s sweet. It’s seductive. And, it’s a great deal of fun, with each of the ladies taking their turn in the lead spotlight.

But, the ladies can slow down the tempo and score with a heartfelt ballad, as well. “Hell On Me” is a great example of this, with Duncan taking lead with a flawless performance. There are few singers in Nashville who can match her vocally or charisma-wise, and she brings it home all the way over the track. “Lucky One” is also a great ballad performance, one that benefits from the very dramatic production on the cut.

Rounding the album out is the nostalgic “Dixie Dust,” which gives each of the members a chance to think about their hometowns (Duncan – Scotts Hill, TN / Hewitt – Lancaster, MN / McLeod – Madison, GA) and the role that they have played in their individual lives – which given the quality of this EP, is going to be getting a lot busier!