Bonnie Ramone has lived quite a few lives, and that comes to bear on her brand of country music. The tattoo artist and metal guitarist returned to her West Virginia roots on her EP Tennessee. Now, on Live & Unplugged (out August 4), Bonnie Ramone & The Mere Mortals showcase their chops — particularly Ramone’s bourbon-smooth singing voice that is equal parts Cash and Robert Smith. On “Evaline,” Ramone delivers a sweet reverse-“Jolene.”
The song begins as a mid-tempo processional, with steel guitar unfurling along with the tale. Ramone confronts the titular “Evaline,” demanding she hold herself accountability for sewing discord in relationships. Yet the song ends on a note of satisfaction: the narrator trusts her partner not to roam beyond the relationship’s boundaries.
Ramone’s performance is confident and inviting. Her warmth sells the tale: while the song begins with a tone of friendly warning, it ends with a sense of love for the narrator’s partner. All the while, the Mere Mortals allow the song to swell to its emotional climax: this story isn’t going to end in a fight or a broken heart. In fact, the characters end the vignette much stronger than when they began.
Live & Unplugged will be available on August 4th.