The rockness of “The Van Pelt Parties,” backed by Asheville’s own Wednesday (Hood’s current favorite band), is immediately evident. His history with DBT has caused fans to attempt a label. Not that easy, as they veer from rock, into country, folk, Americana, and more.
Just four days on from the 2024 general election, Hood is holding up that mirror to our society again, as he did back in 2001. It stings even more today than it did then.
Two songs specifically included for each candidate are “KAMALA (it’s not a matter of if)” by Big Freedia and the Living Colour classic “Cult of Personality.” A couple of dead ringers.
X’s punk rockabilly (punkabilly?) identity was on full display, sounding as tight as ever. It’s hard to believe its been 44 years since their debut. Each musician better than you think on stage, it seems that they’ve improved with age.
I know what you’re thinking, “Hey, weren’t The Police a trio?” Why, yes, they were. And true fans picked up on several Andy Summersesque guitar licks by Miller and even more Stewart Copelandesque drum fills by Maas.
A crowd favorite was the Drive-By Truckers track “Danko/Manuel,” Isbell’s song when he was with that band. It’s a sad tale written about the end of The Band as depicted in ‘The Last Waltz.’
The sound of the ‘Cuffs has matured and evolved since the first release some 16 years ago. On Rails, their fourth studio album, the band visits a glam/indie 70s universe, creating a fresh edge on each track.
Marr kicked off the show with “Armatopia,” a climate change warning for the world, “So let’s dance to the sound of our time running out / And watch the smoke on the breeze of rising seas.”
The most revealing aspect was the band’s brotherhood. Creative and stress-induced differences led to three decades of ups and downs, always overshadowed by forgiveness and strengthened friendships.
For fans of 80s music, it’s about time. The subtitle of the album reads, “Stepping back into the future.” Appropriate for a man who is simultaneously reminiscing and looking forward to what’s next.
NO EARPLUGS 