I don't mean the commercial, Southern California, Eagles type, mellow stuff so many people seem to think of as country rock, but something with a genuine bite to it. They can hoot and holler with the best of them, but they can also bring that same intensity and emotional strength to a slow song.
When I listen to "She Rides Wild Horses" it evokes an image of an older biker, his long white hair tied back in a ponytail, dancing with his old lady at the end of the night while the bar empties around them. It's tough music and real, not caving in to cheap sentimentality that is the easy out for so many bands these days.
These types of bands usually have a hard time translating onto recordings. Whether it's because the atmosphere of a packed bar full of sweaty, laughing, half drunk people, dancing and having a good time is absent, or because it's the type of music that only works under the above conditions I don't know. But in the past I've found unless it's a live recording the disc doesn't live up to expectations.
Now I've never seen the PovertyNeck Hillbillies live which might be a plus for listening to them on disc, but I have a feeling there isn't going to be much of a let down for those of you who have. It wasn't hard picturing them on stage in a huge old bar room with a throng of people just below the stage filling the dance floor.
Somehow they've managed to capture the feel of playing live while in the studio. The fact they've done this without sacrificing anything musically or technically is a significant accomplishment. It says a lot about the individual skills of the people in this band. They can be loose enough in the studio to generate a live atmosphere and still be musically tight as a band.
Their playing ability separates the PovertyNeck Hillbillies from being just another roadhouse attraction that's a forgettable good time, and a band you won't be able to forget after listening to. They have a little extra depth and soul to their music that goes a long way towards lifting them out of the crowd and into the spotlight.
Roadhouses and honkytonks have been home to and given birth to some of the best and most genuine pop music in North America. You can add the name of the PovertyNeck Hillbillies to the list of bands keeping that tradition alive.
Article comments
1 - Kayla T
Thank you so much for your review on the PovertyNeck Hillbillies' self titles CD. I've known this band for 3 years. They are a great group of guys and musicians. You described their CD perfectly. And yes, the people that go out and see them night after night are NEVER disappointed, trust me! They are so much more than a "normal country band" and that is what draws more and more people to them as they perform. Thanks again for seeing what people here near Pittsburgh have seen all along.
2 - Connie Phillips
Congratulations, this article is an Editor's Pick!
3 - LMZ
Haven't seen them in concert? Make sure you bring sugar and caffein. You're going to need the energy boost. Trust me on this one. ;)
4 - LMZ
I should add, your energy (comment above) is needed to keep up with them! These guys will drain you from their powerhouse performance. Just wanted to clear that up! ;)
5 - Becky
I have seen these guys perform since they started out. I rarely missed a show except for the last 2 yrs(moved to Florida). These guys are awesome and put on a show of the same. I am so excited to see them make it big.
6 - Tia & Allie
They are so good and so hot!!
7 - Heidi
I have seen these guys 5 times since August and I have tickets for 2 more shows in November! Always a good show! The band is a great group of guys that interact with the fans at any age. I took my daughters ages 16, 11 and 8 and also attend with an aunt who is 59. It doesn't matter what the age, everyone seems to love the Hillbillies!
8 - Marla
Hi David Guthrie,
You have very good Thanksgiving
9 - DL
These guys used to be down to earth and nice. Now, they are trying so hard to make it big, and they are stepping on the feet of the people who made them popular. The shows are now commercial, and the image is generic. They have lost their flare and fan support.
10 - DL
These guys used to be down to earth and nice. Now, they are trying so hard to make it big, and they are stepping on the feet of the people who made them popular. The shows are now commercial, and the image is generic. They have lost their flare and fan support.
11 - sarah
there the best band i pittsburgh!!
i have been seening them for a long time and i never get sick of them. i hope they become big and successful. they have a specail talent. the band member are too funny and are so sweet! i love talking to them. every concert keeps on getting better and better.i never get dissappointed at a concert;; they make it so energtic and exciting.
wow there is soo much to say about this band.