SLCene Suggests: Justin Townes Earle at The State Room

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, THE STATE ROOM, Sunday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. $40

The last time we heard from Justin Townes Earle in Salt Lake City, he was a newlywed (to a Utah gal, no less) on the State Room stage last year Christmastime, kvetching in his typical way between songs about dealing with record label pinheads and other travails. And while the banter is always entertaining, if sometimes uncomfortable, it has nothing on the songs Earle delivers. His is a distinct lyrical voice, and his songwriting–always strong–has evolved nicely over the course of his albums. That holds true on his brand new Single Mothers release, a strong addition to an incredibly solid catalog. Now five albums into what will hopefully be a long career, the 32-year-old has never sounded better, even as he remains rooted in the old-school country sound that’s always been his stock in trade. It should be exciting to hear him deliver a slew of new songs in his set this time around. American Aquarium opens the show.