Josh Abbott Band – Somewhere Down the Road
Produced by Dwight A Baker, who also produced Flatland Cavalry’s latest, Josh Abbott Band’s new album Somewhere Down the Road really throws down the quality red dirt gauntlet. From Lubbock Texas, these boys hit the ground running.
The first song, “Astronaut,” is preceded by a mostly strings intro that’s ambient, low end and haunting, and then when Astronaut hits, there’s a heavy. “Sometimes I wish I was an astronaut instead of working this bullshit concrete job… with a Copenhagen habit and a GED.” And going to buy a ticket to the Powerball. Like the Turnpike Troubadours, Josh Abbott Band presents the power of frustration in a direct, driving, in-your-face way.
Next up, “The Sale,” is lively power-fiddle and then Josh’s honest vocals “the foolish choices a young man makes and the same ones he’ll resent.”
“Guilt of a Man” is the brutally raw admission of a man that he’s not sure he can live up to the ideals as he asks “did you settle for me when you agreed to settle down? is the weight of it all why when you shower you break down?” Stripped down and honest with Josh’s vulnerable vocals clear in the mix. “What Were You Thinking” starts as a nice uncomplicated love story that turns into another confessional of some inner insecurities, with a heavy rhythm and a girl who pulled him from the darkness in the nick of time.
“She’ll Always Be” is a sweet homage to the free spirit of a child, in this case, Abbott’s young daughter.
If you like the Turnpike Troubadours you’ll love Josh Abbott too, that is, if you aren’t already among his tens of thousands of fans. He has the power, the musical prowess and the lyrical truth, and the whole album hits the spot. Find more information on his website here: http://www.joshabbottband.com
Musicians on the album are Josh Abbott on acoustic guitar and vocals; Kris Farrow and Cale Richardson on electric guitars; Jimmy Hartman on bass and background vocals; Austin Davis on banjo; David Fralin on Hammond organ; piano, background vocals and synth; Adam Hill on fiddle; and Edward Villanueva on drums, with Will Van Horn on steel guitar.
Produced by Dwight A. Baker; recorded, mixed and engineered by Dwight A. Baker at Matchbox Studios in Austin, TX. Assisted by Jackson Baker. The album was mastered by Dave McNair at Dave McNair Mastering. Production coordination was by Eric Berger.