There are many paths a band can take between inception and the first album (assuming they make it that far). The 40 Acre Mule chose to follow a simple formula. First they decided to kick ass and do it loudly. Second they played anywhere and everywhere people would listen, and made it a party. Third they crafted a sound that is true to their influences. As a result fans were made, among which were some influential artists in their native Texas region. They have shared the stage with The James Hunter Six, The Reverend Horton Heat, Eleven Hundred Springs, Alejandro Escovedo and Rosie Flores. Now it is time for them to spread the word even further with the release of their debut album, “Goodnight and Good Luckâ€, next month. Trust me you will be dancing. It is irrelevant whether you can or even want to dance. It isn’t up to you. There is simply no room for standing still when The 40 Acre Mule is in the house.
Blurring the lines between R&B, Blues and Rockabilly they combine a classic sound with intensity of Metal. “Good Night and Good Luck†could serve as the soundtrack to a riot. Their music bears the influences of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. Concurrently the vocals echo the sound of James Browne and Wilson Pickett. For a contemporary comparison, Vocalist J. Isaiah Evans singing is similar to J.D. McPherson. In addition to Evans, the band consists of Robert Anderson on drums, Tim Cooper on bass, Chris Evetts on baritone sax and John Pedigo on Guitar. Most of the songs are played with a fast in your face tempo, which is augmented by the mean sounding baritone sax of Evetts. There is no better example than their first single “16 Daysâ€, which contains the classic line “I can’t do right since my baby done me wrongâ€. The opener “You Better Run†also fits the mold. The 40 Acre Mule certainly isn’t the only band reviving the R&B sound. In fact, it is getting to be a crowded field. However, no artist is as in your face as these guys are and they are definitely carving out their own niche.
THE 40 ACRE MULE are from Dallas. “Good Night and Good Luck†will be released by State Fair Records, which also includes up and coming Americana stars The Vandoliers and Joshua Ray Walker.
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!