Of all the writers on HearYa, I’m the guy that likes music that’s rough around the edges. Bands like O’Death, Black Diamond Heavies, and Left Lane Cruiser are right in my wheelhouse. Maybe it’s because I live in the burbs now and need a little dirt in my idyllic suburban life or maybe I’m just still the mullet-wearing dirtbag from Long Island.
I get caught up in the majestic harmonies of the Avett Brothers, but I always feel that I am straying too far from my dirty roots. Well if The Avett Brothers are a polished diamond, then The O’s are their scuffy counterparts. They are a two piece out of Dallas featuring Taylor Young on guitar/vocals and John Pedigo on banjo/vocals. They’ll work in a bass drum here and tambourine there, but its mostly just two dudes working through crisp tunes with some tasty picking.
“I Still Wait” is my favorite track on the release. It’s the story of a one-sided love affair that starts off with some sweet picking and before long, Young is belting out the chorus like he’s singing backup for Metallica. It’s a little jolting at first, but damn. If some broad had kept he me waiting all that time, then I’d probably be screaming my tits off as well. Other standouts include “We’ve Had Everything” and “Don’t Waste Your Day.”
The O’s play without pretension and generally seem to be having a blast. They’re zipping around the country now and plan on setting up shop at SXSW 2009. We Are The O’s is out today.
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