Live Review: Patterson Hood and the Sensurrounders with Lydia Loveless at Terminal West in Atlanta, 3/26/25

Touring in support of his fourth solo album Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams, Patterson Hood exited the highway to the drive-by truck stop of Atlanta’s Terminal West to share his critically acclaimed new music with fans. Known as a master storyteller through his music, Hood evoked memories of each of the songs, adding a level of depth and humor to the evening.

For fans who appreciate authenticity in music and in people, this show was a real treat. Hood stayed put on his stool for a majority of the show, seamlessly transitioning to and fro between the piano and guitar. He repeatedly reminded the audience he was not a piano player and to “bear with me.” But his touch was magical. He’s an even better guitar player, as we’ve witnessed via the Truckers for years.

The set kicked off with “Exploding Trees,” the opening track on the new album. A plaintive piano introduced fans to the story about a debilitating ice storm in Alabama 30 years ago. But the song feels like an embrace, keeping you warm. Loveless joined in on “A Werewolf and a Girl,” the sharp duet that served as the album’s initial single. The Sensurrounders consist of alt country singer-songwriter Lydia Loveless on the bass, Trucker Jay Gonzalez, Ben Hackett, and drummer Brad Morgan. While all are familiar with the Drive-By Trucker sound, the Sensurrounders kept up and were the perfect combo for Hood’s new sound. Gonzalez pulls double duty on guitar and keys, while Hackett contributed saxophone, flute, and more, showcasing the band’s remarkable skill. Whether we call it experimental Americana or something else, it’s clear Hood has evolved.

Another standout moment was “Disappear,” from his 2012 solo outing Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance. He told the tale of the importance of becoming invisible as a kid. The son of “teenagers,” his mom and dad would have parties. He was drawn to the sounds and the “smells” coming from downstairs. One night when he was seven, he snuck down and hid under the couch, where he finished off half-empty beers until he eventually passed out. Many of Hood’s latest songs evoke nostalgia for his Alabama childhood. Setting up “Pinocchio,” Hood joked, “Saw that fucker so many times I memorized it.” As a kid, he would perform scenes for family and neighbors in his backyard. His adult version describes a story of truth-seeking and understanding life’s hardships (“Truth can hurt a lot, but a lie destroys / Deep inside of every man is a real live boy”).

Midway through the set, the Drive-By Truckers’ anthem “Heathens” was performed. Not a quiet fan in the house as they know the words and sing the songs. The new “Last Hope” talks about the self-proclaimed “Dimmer Twins” (Hood and DBT partner Mike Cooley) and the struggles they’ve endured together.

The band ran through all 10 tracks from Trees & Screams, adding something from each of his prior solo efforts. Known for his deep dive of covers from favorite artists, Hood did not disappoint. For the encore, the band struck up the 1972 Steely Dan classic “Dirty Work,” along with the Elton John standard “Bennie & The Jets.” The closer was DBT’s “A World of Hurt” from the 2006 album A Blessing and a Curse. The brilliance of “Pool House” and “The Forks of Cypress” among many others signifies Hood’s transition into a new era in his career, attracting a fresh audience.

Lydia Loveless opened the show featuring her talents with a strong voice and exceptional songwriting. Between songs, the crowd stood in silence, leading Loveless to comment on its awkwardness, even blurting out, “All I want is a good-fitting bra” which drew some laughs. On “Runaway,” the singer emoted, “Every time I go to the airport / I try to miss my flight / Every time I drive on the highway / I wanna jerk the wheel to the right,” singing of lost love. As the bass-playing and backup singing Sensurrounder, Loveless added heaps of talent and richness to the evening.

Hood continues his U.S. tour through August including the Sensurrounders along with other iterations. Treat yourself and buy tickets here. Find Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams on Hood’s Bandcamp page or his website. Don’t forget the wonderful Loveless on Bandcamp and her website.

#supportmusicians #livemusicrules #buythetickets