Country rockers Hillbilly Vegas released their first album back in 2011 enjoying significant commercial success, and since then they have steadily built up a loyal following due to their energetic live performances. Now their latest album, ‘The Great Southern Hustle’ continues their upward trajectory and will delight old and new fans alike.
From the first guitar riffs of ‘High Time for A Good Time’ along with it’s infectious chorus, it is clear that this band is all about a good time. The song is a classic floor filler sing along that evokes thoughts of The Black Crowes and The Rolling Stones. Immediately following with the fun bump and grind of ‘Shake it Like a Hillbilly’, the band are clearly sending the listener a message that it’s time to have fun.
There’s a tenderness in their music too. ‘Little Miss Rough and Tumble’ is a emotional tribute from a Father to a Daughter that sounds as if it came from an Allman Brother’s album. While ‘Just Say You Love Me’ is a tender love song directed towards a missing partner. Moreover, there’s heart wrenching vulnerability within ‘Losin’ To Win’.
The band comprising of Steve Harris Guitar and lead vocals) Stacy Thornburg (lead guitar, vocals), Johnny Reed (guitar, vocals) Heath Molton (bass, vocals), Troy Hollinger (drums) and Andy Wise (backing vocals). Play perfectly together with their vocal harmonies tight and catchy soaring above their energetic music.
The swirling organ fuelled introduction to ‘I-Tsu-La / Let’s Get Together’ hints at the sound of classic progressive rock bands such as Uriah Heep and Deep Purple before changing tack and switching back into another Americana based melodic rocker.
From start to finish ‘The Great Southern Hustle’ is an album that gets feet stomping and arms reaching for air guitars. However, there’s more to it than that. The music is well mixed and allows acoustic and electric instruments to perfectly compliment each other. The vocal harmonies are inspiring and the songs memorable.
More than just an fun album, ‘The Great Southern Hustle’ is an essential album.