Just a few months after dropping their fifth studio album, The Story of Michael and Tanya, husband-and-wife duo The War And Treaty return with an extra serving of soulful country roots tunes. Anchored by the title track, Country Baptism assembles songs that didn’t quite fit the narrative concept of The Story of Michael and Tanya, which traced the peaks and valleys of the Trotters’ romantic journey. That doesn’t mean these cuts lack quality, though—quite the opposite. “Country Baptism” is rich and gritty, leaning into the gospel sound its title implies as the singers trade verses about faith and redemption. “Keep You Warm Tonight” ups the drama with bold horns, Wall of Sound-style harmonies, and flickers of pedal steel. And closing track “It Won’t Go Away” is, appropriately, a showstopper, as Michael and Tanya sing of fiercely protecting hard-earned joy while a vibrant string section—arranged by celebrated Atlanta musician Nicole Hardin—lifts them up.