Album Review – Kimmi Bitter’s “Bittersweet”
Countrypolitan (#510.5) Classic California Country (#510.7), Surf Guitar-Inspired Country (#510.75) on the Country DDS.
For those that don’t see music simply as a distraction or something used to pass the time, and want to be transported to a different place, or transfixed by the alternate universe an artist can create, or ferried away to some far away place from the present tense, the music of Kimmi Bitter is the perfect wormhole back to a time to when the colors were more vibrant, the tones more enhanced, and the music more pure and innocent, though not without it’s own depth, edge, and even danger.
Kimmi Bitter is country music’s throwback honky tonk sweetheart with a voice like Patsy Cline, and a style like The Ventures. She stunned with her 2024 record Old School that earned a nomination for Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year. On the followup Bittersweet, she doubles down on the mod/Countrypolitan/surf/’60s sound that’s so succulent to the ear, and so reminiscent of such a more meaningful time in music.
The Kimmi Bitter experience always starts with her astounding voice, which in previous eras would have worked like a clarion call in the music industry to marshal all resources and deliver this once-in-a-generation gift to the masses. Of course these days, natural born talent can be just as much a burden as an asset. Unfortunately, those who lean on technology are often handsomely rewarded, while those who put artistic integrity first find a steeper way forward.
You hear what Kimmi’s voice is capable of in the opening song of the album, “Love Me Or Leave Me Alone.” Awash in the splendor of ’60s countrypolitan vibes with strings and orchestral-like movements, a simple sentiment is made into a titanic experience that leaves you chilled well after the final note falls silent.
Produced and co-written by throwback wizard Michael Gurley, any anachronisms are purged, and every detail is scrutinized to in no way disrupt the dreamy experience Kimmi Bitter creates in both words and tones. From chorus singers, to the steel guitar and unexpected (but welcomed) harmonica in the song “Over You,” everything feels so intentional, though leagues away from antiseptic or sterile. Every element brought to this music feels alive and present. Even if the perspective is steeped in the past tense, it’s conveyed in timeless themes.
But really the unexpected story of Bittersweet is the contributions of Kimmi Bitter’s other half, guitar player and beau Willis Farnsworth. Anyone who’s seen Bitter perform live knows Willis is her ace-in-the-hole. But on this album, Farnsworth is really unleashed, bringing his incredible lexicon of vintage licks and tones to bear in beneficial ways. This comes across in most every song on the album. You also get not one, but two instrumentals in “Trail of Dreams” and “Bigsby Burnout.”
Yet instead of using these instrumental opportunities to showboat, it’s actually the reservation Farnsworth exhibits in these songs that not only makes the moments respectful of the album’s intended era, but even more impressive from relying on taste and tone. It’s very Booker T and the MG’s-esque, and just enhances the fever dream that Kimmi Bitter sets out to create, while also creating another vector of appeal for the album for vintage guitar gearheads and surfer punks.
You run the risk of coming across as too fuddy duddy making an album like this, and perhaps a couple of the songs fall into that category. You also wish there were a couple of more moments where Kimmi’s voice was allowed to soar, or where the writing went a little deeper as opposed to sticking to the throwback vibe. But the musicianship, the exploration of tone, and of course Kimmi’s one-of-a-kind voice make Bittersweet a record that defies conventional wisdom on taste or genre. It’s just cool.
From San Diego, Kimmi Bitter’s Bittersweet is like if Patsy Cline and Dick Dale took a Woody to the beach and had a luau with and Nokie Edwards and Merle Travis. It’s a vibe for sure, and one like a wave that you want to ride off into musical bliss.
8.2/10
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Purchase from Kimmi Bitter
August 21, 2026 @ 7:19 am
Pre-ordered. Loved the “Old School” album; this new one continues to charm and inform. Lovely production, decent songwriting, twangy guitars, and Kimmie’s exquisite vocal chops. I wish her tour would bring her closer to the WASHDC metro area. Cheers & Twangs! T-Bob
August 21, 2026 @ 7:28 am
Many of us have had this record for a couple of weeks or so, as they were kind enough to send copies out to early buyers. That being said, this album soared right into the #1 morning drive slot here with ease, as I really think Kimmi and Willis have taken it to another level this time out. I’m loving songs like Don’t Talk to Strangers, Tremolo, as well as the killer instrumentals Willis shines in. The last song, Lost Inside Your Blues, is a monster as well. Ya know, Kimmi, some of us were alive but very young during this period you love, so the retro thing brings back memories and makes us feel young. Thank you for that.
August 21, 2026 @ 7:45 am
Seems Ms. Bitter successfully taps into several different styles and genres,and is hopefully a rising star.
August 21, 2026 @ 7:53 am
Retro nostalgia acts like this are cringe.
Bring something new or go away.
August 21, 2026 @ 8:21 am
I agree that if you don’t like retro nostalgia acts like this you can go away.
August 21, 2026 @ 8:32 am
Ohh blimey no, that’s a terrible take!
August 21, 2026 @ 9:09 am
I get where Big Jilm is coming from to an extent. It feels like a lot of female retro country nostalgia acts try to channel Patsy Cline or invoke Patsy Cline’s name in reviews and articles. I totally get it because she is country music royalty, and her songs are the first that many aspiring female singers perform. However, at least from Kimmi Bitter’s presentation and album art, I don’t get that “Patsy Cline cover artist” vibe from her. Also, the instrumental tracks on the album are such a nice surprise, and I wish instrumental tracks were more widespread in country music nowadays.
Sidenote: Trigger may want to put Sofie and the New Relics on the radar. Sofie’s voice is incredible, and they could really go places.
August 21, 2026 @ 8:54 am
Kimmi Bitter is so easy to root for
August 21, 2026 @ 9:00 am
Kimmi has a great voice and vibe. The production is stellar, the songs well-written, the musicianship fantastic. The thing with novelty acts, though, is that after one listen I’m not really interested in listening again. If I want to hear this style of music, I’ll pull out Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Kitty Wells, etc. Now the live experience with Bitter would be a completely different story; that I would enjoy immensely.
Good review, Trigger.
August 21, 2026 @ 9:02 am
Ms Bitters definitely has the voice to make it in the business. I would say her voice is 50% Patsy Cline and 50% Wilma Burgess (if you really want to go back in time in country music). I think her songs and choice of songs are a complete plus. A friend of mine said he doesn’t like the new country out there…but these certain artists would pique his interest. Thanks for such great music, Ms Bitters, and I hope I get to hear more in years to come!!!
My rating 10+
Sincerely,
Troy Leong
“The Traditionalist”