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So theres something touchingly Kansan about Kevin Morbys new albumSundowner.
Dont Underestimate Midwest American Sun is the albums unassuming centerpiece.
Its one of the sparest tracks, with Morby strumming his acoustic guitar just to fill the space.
As such, he recordedSundownerwithout a full band; Midwest American Sun is barely polyphonic.
Yet Midwest American Sun pivots from mourning to life-affirming.
Morby pleads in the verses: Dont go, Dont run so fast, Dont outrun me.
Stay back, take it slow, enjoy the view.
Its an epiphany born from the same midwestern qualities that make people like my parents thrive there.
Morby says he was wary of returning to Kansas.
Now, on Midwestern American Sun, hes changed his tune.
Try as you might, but you will not outrun the burn, he warns.
That sun has a hold on some of us, like it did him.
I think like the Midwest itself, it takes patience, hetold Stereogumof the song.
But if you have the patience, I think theres a beautiful payoff.
Just last week, I found myself on the back porch with my mom, marveling at another sunset.
It was a moment of the Midwest rewarding patience, just like in Morbys new music.
So I sat and took it in.
