'Doe-Eyed Lover Boys & Saints' by Country Risqué: Queer Cowboy Classics

Author

Singer/Songwriter Kim Capria

STREAM DOE-EYED LOVERBOYS & SAINTS

Country Risqué is one of those bands that have a familiar sound, but as you keep listening to their latest full length album Doe-Eyed Loverboys & Saints (released in 2024 by Rocks In Your Head Records), you realize there is so much more to their music than just country… They truly are Risqué. 

If you haven’t had a chance to catch the Risqué boys playing in your favorite local venue in San Francisco, you may have a chance soon in your town because they’re hitting the road for their first tour this week. I’ve personally had the pleasure of seeing their live performance a few times, and I just love the vibe and music when they hit the stage. 

Miles Gordon leads the band with a smooth voice and I especially love when he puts the guitar down and really pulls the crowd in, sometimes coming off the stage and singing with you. Watching Daniel Bromfield, their piano player and co-writer, is another joy during their set. Daniel has a ton of energy and takes the lead on a few songs as well. All the members of the band mesh together to create an intriguing and fun live performance that fits all sorts of venues, from a smokey dive bar to the big stage. 

Their debut album, Doe-Eyed Loverboys & Saints is an ode to one night stands, heart break, true love, and all the highs and lows in between. Reminiscent of bands such as The Birds, Risqué’s debut album is a sweet mix of classic country sounds that will leave you thirsty for a thrill with a lover you just met, knowing that even if it all goes awry, you’ve got some good heart-breakin' country music to fall back on. 

Opening up the album is the tune, “Drove Me Crazy”, and with its first measure, this song will make you feel like you’re in a smoky bar in Nashville remembering that one night you did something you don’t quite remember and at the same time, won’t ever forget. 
There’s a timbre to Miles’ (the lead singer's) voice, that makes the story he’s telling come to life. I’m especially partial to the talking piece that opens up the album. It lets you know you’re in for a whole lotta fun! And while these guys take their work seriously, they know how to make you laugh and have a good time. 

Another favorite of mine on the album is track #3, "On My Mind". The Risqué boys slow it down on this one for a heart string tingler that will make your loneliness feel like it could fill the ocean. That long lost love that lingers in the back of your mind? Here they come as you listen to the sweet sadness in Miles' voice, beautifully accompanied by a slide guitar and just enough drums and bass to keep the beat going, but keep you feelin’ down. 

A few others I had been looking forward to on this record were two I had heard live a few times, and songs that really make me pay attention to the lyrics. "Depression Drawer" and their single from the album, "Sad Sad People", come at just the right times. Nicely placed between songs of passionate lovers and leavers, these tunes will make anyone feel a little less alone. Country fan or not, there’s something honest and just plain good about Doe-Eyed Lover Boys & Saints. It's easy listening that takes you on a journey through love and life, but unlike that one boy that ghosted you, Country Risqué won’t let you down.
5/5 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈 

Trixie's Note: For more information about the band's upcoming tour through the Pacific Northwest, check out their show schedule here.
Get tickets here for their homecoming show in San Francisco on 7/21 at the famous Bottom of the Hill!