This round I bring you a couple killer heavy singles, and some laid back Americana rippers. That’s how I roll from day to day. Check em out, some new some older, and all completely won me over in one way or another.
The High Divers – Should I Be Worried?
The High Divers have a Dylanesque ring to them rooted in garage rock n roll. I pre-ordered the vinyl immediately after a single spin off their latest album Should I Be Worried? No need to worry here as there is plenty to enjoy on this album consisting of radiating distortion, steel guitar twang, melodic hooks riddled with psychedelia and pulsing with charm. Sadler Vaden, guitarist with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, makes an appearance on several tracks and there’s even a steady infusion of trombone within this beauty.
This one came by way of the Bandcamp feed algorithm that those of you who participate in the wonderful camp know about. They feed you recommendations based on your activity on the platform and I’m always intrigued at how fitting their picks are. Usually obscure picks like this band from Spain that knocked my socks off. She has a wonderful voice with a diverse approach to songwriting. Coyote brings a soulful Cajun swing rooted in bluegrass and drenched in folksy blues.
Fear Birds – Big talk (Single)
Oh man, what have we here? A bird? A plane? A Supergroup? If I wasn’t sold on the shred, the angst or the punishing groove, the pedigree of former member bands sealed the deal. Former members of Barn Burner, Dead Quiet, Brass and Heron?!?!?! Consider me stoked for some new stuff hopefully soon.
IV And The Strange Band – Southern Circus
Coleman Williams, son of Hank Williams III, Grandson of Hank Williams Jr, and Great Grandson of the original Hank Williams Sr. is in a band. Go figure. I only just discovered that he was out there making kick ass music just this year and managed to find a copy of his hard to find, sold out vinyl at a local shop the other day. I’d say he’s a chip off the old block taking the extreme punk rock sensabilities from his old man III, with the classic country chops of his great granddaddy. The quiver in his voice is haunting and the musicianship is superb. Totally becoming my favorite Hank, even though technically he’s not a Hank. This is fitting for fans of old school outlaw country and punk rock renegades. The songs are written well, and the vibe is astounding.
Straight up savage on all fronts. Pile-driving rhythm, ruthless vocals and barn-burning riffage. Surely looking forward to more material from these Lynchburg, Virginia metalheads.
Howl At The Moon has me howling at the god damn moon with its sultry blues-based rock n roll. It's got the southern punk rock swagger of the Drive-By Truckers, the boogie of Tom Petty and the soul of bands like Blackberry Smoke. Can I proclaim a new subgenre and call it Alabamicana?
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