Long-time readers of this blog will know that I’m no stranger to the southern rock outfit, The Outlaw Orchestra. I have spoken about them on this blog, from album reviews, to gig reports to interviews. I have always had an affinity for their music. Their unique blend of rock, bluegrass, and country has always caught my ear the right way. You’d think I’d be running out of things to write. Nope, not by a long shot! Their new album La Familia is another stepping stone for them and I’ve had the chance to listen to it, yeah I like it that should be a surprise. I think what makes this band work so well is their sheer insistence on making this concept work. It somehow feels rough and dirty yet clean and polished simultaneously. There’s something so simple and charming about this record. Like all of their music, they managed to have this down-to-earth relatability that lets the listener gravitate to their lyrics, while still enjoying some of the lighter tracks for what they are.
There’s a classic bluegrass vibe in the air, as per their usual style. Many of the songs feel like they were plucked from the likes of the greats like Jerry Reed and Red Allen mixed with the rock tone of 70s, I would compare it to stuff like the Tom Robinson Band. Not only in the tone and texture of the sound but layered into the lyricism. The Outlaw Orchestra have always managed to strike that balance of earnestness and sarcasm. I feel songs like “Graceless Time” and “Small Change” fit that more emotional and serious tone, showing off the guys' more empathic and heartfelt songwriting. Then you have the songs like “El Dorado” and “Rotten Apples”, while performed with a tongue-in-cheek manner, I think the cynical lyricism cuts through the pumping countryfied tone. The beauty of this kind of music is that artists can bleed more serious lyrics into catchy and energetic anthems. Songs like “Fear The Bite” are fun to listen to, but then when you look into the lyrics you get just how dark the poetry of the words are.
I think the overall sound of this record is great! It’s simple and bare-bones, sure. Yet, the simplicity is complex. There’s a clear method to the madness. The drums pump and drive the beat, the guitar is the main driving force of the music, the vocals act as the emotional heart of the record, and then you have the various instrumentation from Pete Briley that add depth and texture to the sound. As a combined package it’s an almighty racket of sound that is just relentless throughout. I do wish there was a bit more of a foundation to it. Something that would work in synchronicity with the bass drum to create more of a pump. Maybe like a jug or a sousaphone, you know, bring in that New Orleans folk sound. As is though, I think the sound works quite well. There are lots of interesting sounds and tones to keep the listener engaged from start to finish. However, I think the hard rock guitar does give this record that real rip-roaring edge that gives the band. It sets them apart and makes them feel more than just another Southern rock band.
The three-piece rock outfit brings a new energy and a new vibe with every album release. This album reminds me of the phrase "art for the sake of art" which is the suggestion that art should exist for its own sake, independent of any moral or educational purpose. There’s a distinct sound of rebellion and angst here. While some of their older work is more geared towards fun and goofing off, this album has a hard tone. It’s not completely devoid of levity, like I said there are moments of sarcasm and fun. This album has a darker edge that hits hard. It’s a passion project through and through and something I think is worthy of your time.
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