'Snipe Hunter' by Tyler Childers

★★★

In the growing Tyler Childers songbook, the Appalachian region he calls home is "just as contradictory, complex, and full of surprises as he is," said in Rolling Stone . While the 34-year-old Kentucky native has already graduated from indie artist to arena-filling headliner, his Rick Rubin–produced seventh album is a "career redefining" collection that "triples down on the trailblazing he's known for." His new songs reference hunting, Hindu scripture, and koala STDs as his band, the Food Stamps, explore new sonic territory ranging from garage rock to "Phil Spector pop."

Childers' cultural stances have made him "one of country music's most singular artists," said in Pitchfork . Yes, he grew up in a trailer next to a Baptist church and "plays

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