If It's Too Loud...

Photo courtesy of the band We tend to love our country mixed with more than a little rock 'n' roll, so Dirt Road Souls are right up our alley. The Boston Americana trio just released a brand new single, "Next to You." This new song is a pure joy to listen to. It's upbeat and cheery, with roots planted firmly in vintage country and rock. This is the perfect song to listen to in a dive bar or an outdoor venue in the summertime, so Dirt Road Souls have perfect timing as we're just about to get our first pretend warm day up here in New England. Everything in "Next to You" sounds twangy except for the guitar, which has an almost punk tuning. This is a great one, and the perfect soundtrack to start your weekend. Davis Black (guitar and vocals) says of his band's new single: “It’s about that pure youthful joy and optimism about going to the dirt road kegger knowing she’s going to be there and anything might happen. It’s a country-fried banger that incl...

Photo courtesy of the band Dirt Road Souls are a new Americana band out of Boston. Their new single, "Hold on Soul," is from their upcoming concept album about Johnny Moonshine, a smalltown rebel, moonshine runner, and tragic figure. The song combines country rock and Southern gothic into a sound that is both new and familiar. It has all of the pain and yearning associated with country while avoiding the trappings of modern mainstream country. It's great enough that fans of alt-country or classic country are going to be immediately won over, but oddly accessible enough that it could very well win over more mainstream fans. Typically alt-country is considered music that's too rock for country and too country for rock, but "Hold on Soul" is just the right amount of both. Davis Black says of his band's latest single: “‘Hold on Soul’ was first written many years ago when I had left my small town and gone off to start a life in Boston. After high school and c...