One part Skynyrd, one part Pink Floyd and a touch of the darker side of Johnny Cash, itâs a stunning original and a perfect end to a great album from âJackson Counties original white trash bandâ.

11 MP3 Songs in this album (37:35) !
Related styles: COUNTRY: Country Rock, ROCK: Southern Rock

People who are interested in Lynyrd Skynyrd Eagles Charlie Daniels should consider this download.


Details:
My latest review is on âWelcome to the Southâ, the sophomore effort from Rebel Syndicate. While their first disk, âThe Family Albumâ, was a wild and unkempt throwback to southern rockâs golden age, the new cd really highlights what makes them such a great live band. Not only do their songwriting and musicianship shine, but their rich southern harmonies are really brought to the forefront. Of course, it helps when your producer, Ricky Lee Phelps, is a Grammy winner, and CMA Producer of the Year. Ricky Lee, known to most folks as the lead singer for Kentucky Headhunters, also adds his distinctive vocals to âBeer Donât Bitchâ, a rowdy honky-tonk ode to manâs best friend (beer).
The record kicks off with the title track âWelcome to the Southâ, a southern rock anthem that leaves no doubt where these boyâs roots lay. With southern fried slide guitar and a rebel pride theme, itâs sure to be blaring from many a truck window for years to come. âSlow Walkinâ, along with the fore mentioned âBeer Donât Bitchâ, is a pure honky-tonker. Referring to a southern funeral, âslow walkin, sad singin, fried chicken eatinâ, itâs a fun country rocker about getting in over your head. However, donât think for a minute Rebel Syndicate are one trick ponies. As with their live show, they slide easily between, so called, genres. From the new country sound of âAnything but Meâ and âSaving Graceâ and the Eagles like tone of âThis Townâ, to the lush heartbreaker âDrive Onâ, and they sound authentic in all of them. Itâs a diverse collection of songs, including southern gospel inspired sound of âAll But Goneâ and the delightfully quirky âSettle Downâ. The albums highlight, however, may be itâs darkest song. âBang Bangâ, the final track, is a brooding and unrepentant snapshot of the self proclaimed âonly guilty manâ in prison, whose sole regret is that he didnât finish the killing he started. One part Skynyrd, one part Pink Floyd and a touch of the darker side of Johnny Cash, itâs a stunning original and a perfect end to a great album from âJackson Counties original white trash bandâ. Enjoy!

L.V. Walton
Freelance Music Critic