The Gourds new LP,Haymaker (Yep Roc) should’ve come out a few weeks ago, that way, it could’ve landed on my Top 10 for 2008. I guess it will just have to wait. Pretty gutsy statement for such an early offering of 2009, huh? In an era where most “Country Rock” consists of Rock that is mysteriously and dubiously packaged as Country, it is an absolute joy to hear a Country record that rocks, but can never be mistaken for anything but a sincere and forthright, down-home effort.

Kevin Russell, Keith Langford and gang bust out of the gate with an ode to the Country, with the track “Country Love”. The accordion lends the track a distinct rootsy, cajun hue as the vocals yelp with the fervor of a Zydeco band-leader hitting his stride. The sense of melody throughout the disc is more effective than on even some of their previous high-quality albums. After the opening track, the album continues to showcase tight, upbeat tunes that, thanks to the vocals and general good-time feel, seem to only be able to be songs from The Gourds. The writing on this album is defined by lyrics that never take themselves too seriously, yet avoid the kookiness of much of their earlier work. In “All the Way to Jericho”, the scene is set for us as we hear, “And when you see that starry night/ or a cross up on a hill/ then you wait for early light / to take yer hands off the wheel”. Looking for answers or direction never sounded so good. When discussing the simple, and perhaps more dangerous features of the fairer sex in “Country Gal”, we find out that the gal in question has “skin like chocolate milk – make a married man feel no guilt” .

Haymaker! is a well-rounded disc that doesn’t have one skip-worthy song. The Gourds have made their name with their live shows through Texas and the rest of the nation, for that matter. Solid writing, sharp wit, and crack musicianship, as heard here, will always be the key elements of a great collection of songs. This latest offering proves that the best bands can translate their gift from stage to studio and produce sterling results.

LISTEN TO SONGS FROM HAYMAKER! ON THE GOURDS MYSPACE

About the author:  I likes me some wine, women and waffles, not always in that order (but usually). Chaucer is cool, but fart jokes are even better. You feel like spikin' your country with a little soul or mix in a little rock without the roll? Lemme hear from ya!!

by Kelly Dearmore in Alt-Country, Americana, Country, Reviews, Roots