If you like some country mixed into your rock and roll, you're going to love the latest from Esther Rose. "New Bad" is almost the definition of the genres country rock, alt-country, or outlaw country. Recorded live to tape, this is a killer rock song with just enough twang in Rose's vocals to keep it on the country side. The song is filled with distorted songs and some of the catchiest lyrics we've heard so far this year. There's even a part where I can't tell if it's supposed to be a choir of voices or gang vocals, or maybe it's supposed to be both. Rose's vocals are truly the highlight of the song and will immediately draw you in. She just has something instantly compelling once she starts singing. "New Bad" is reminding me of a dream combination of Rilo Kiley and Drive-By Truckers, and if that sounds like your thing, get ready to have a new musical obsession.
Esther Rose says of her upcoming album:
“There are things that I have tiptoed around in my writing — and in my life — that I wasn’t ready to look at, and now I’m going for it.”
You can watch the video for "New Bad" below. Want is due out May 2 on New West Records, and is available for pre-order here. For more on Esther Rose, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the video.
Feb 5 Austin, TX @ Sagebrush *
Feb 6 Fort Worth, TX @ Tulips *
Feb 7 Oklahoma City, OK @ Resonant Head *
Feb 11 Los Angeles, CA @ Gold-Diggers (sold out) *
Feb 13 San Francisco, CA @ 4 Star Theater (sold out) *
Feb 14 Ojai, CA @ Deer Lodge *
Feb 15 Phoenix, AZ @ Musical Instrument Museum *
Feb 16 Santa Fe, NM @ Tumbleroot Brewery *
Feb 27 Nashville, TN @ Blue Room at Third Man Records *
Feb 28 Little Rock, AR @ White Water Tavern *
Mar 1 Fayetteville, AR @ George's Majestic Lounge *
Mar 2 Columbus, MS @ Sunstroke House *
Mar 4 Chicago, IL @ Schuba's *
Mar 5 St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club *
Mar 6 Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon *
Mar 7 Newport, KY @ Southgate House *
Mar 8 Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar *
Mar 9 Asheville, NC @ Eulogy *
Mar 20 Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall *
Mar 21 Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java *
Mar 22 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's *
Mar 23 Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right *
Mar 25 Toronto, ON @ Garrison *
Mar 26 Montreal, QC @ Bar le Ritz PDB *
Mar 27 Burlington, VT @ Light Club Lamp Shop (sold out) *
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