Album Profile
Girls, Guns and Glory
Sweet Nothings
PRODUCTION NOTES
The album Sweet Nothings, released in 2011 on Lonesome Day Records(LDR 037), captures Girls Guns & Glory—the Boston-based roots-rock/country ensemble fronted by singer-songwriter Ward Hayden—at a peak of their honky-tonk-infused Americana, blending retro country twang, rockabilly punch, and heartfelt storytelling across 11 tracks totaling 35 minutes. This fourth studio release refines their barroom energy with polished yet gritty arrangements, exploring themes of love’s illusions, nocturnal wanderings, and resilient romance through catchy hooks and vivid narratives influenced by Hank Williams, Gram Parsons, and Waylon Jennings.
Co-produced by Paul Q. Kolderie (known for work with Radiohead, Uncle Tupelo) and Adam Taylor (Sarah Borges, Portugal. The Man), the album boasts a lively, retro-modern production that amplifies driving rhythms, twangy guitars, and layered vocals—achieving an organic, road-tested vibe that echoes classic country while embracing contemporary edge.
The tracklist opens with the dreamy, upbeat “Baby’s Got a Dream” (3:46), followed by the title track “Sweet Nothings” (2:32); the shadowy groove “Nighttime” (2:36); the nostalgic “Last Night I Dreamed” (2:32); “Maryanne” (3:25); the raw “Root Cellar” (3:13); the poignant duet “1,000 Times” (3:07) with guest Sarah Borges (of Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles), whose harmonies add gritty depth to this cycle-of-heartache ballad; the reflective “This Old House” (4:09); the edgy “Snake Skin Belt” (3:32); the wry “Not a Girl Left in the World” (2:28); and closing with the cosmic-tinged “The Universe Began” (3:55). The set balances fast-paced shuffles, mid-tempo rockers, and tender moments for a cohesive, engaging flow.
The band’s core drives the sound: Ward Hayden on lead vocals and acoustic guitar (with songwriting credits on most tracks); Chris Hersch on electric guitar (including baritone guitar and Fender Bass VI for textural flair) and acoustic guitar; Michael Calabrese on drums, backing vocals, and harmony vocals; Paul Dilley on electric bass and Mellotron—each member’s Berklee or New England Conservatory background contributing to the tight, versatile ensemble.
Critically acclaimed, Sweet Nothings was lauded for its sassy restraint and songcraft, with The Telegraph praising its subtle energy amid upbeat cuts. Reviews hailed it as a “walk down country boulevard” with crisp traditional elements, affirming the band’s rising stature in roots music. As a Lonesome Day highlight, it bridges vintage influences with fresh vitality.
TRACK LISTINGS
1. Baby's Got a Dream
2. Sweet Nothings
3. Nighttime
4. Last Night I Dreamed
5. Mary Anne
6. Root Cellar
7. 1,000 Times (duet feat. Sarah Borges)
8. This Old House
9. Snake Skin Belt
10. Not A Girl Left In The World
11. Universe Began
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SOUND CLIPS
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