Hailing from the Deep South frontier port of Southampton those cheeky heavygrass rebels The Outlaw Orchestra have just landed the heartfelt rootsy country blues number ‘Send Some Whiskey Home’; their latest single from 2020’s well received debut long player ‘Pantomine Villains’.
Released on Friday 22nd January this catchy track is accompanied by a video filmed in the early morning light of a frosty autumnal New Forest morning with a starring role for guitarist / vocalist Dave Roux’s dog Ted.
This single is a wondrous near five minutes that is deliciously dripping in Americana with country-rock licks from Roux along with sweet, sweet lap steel passionately provided by ‘Banjo’ Pete Briley layered with gentle percussion from Ryan ‘Prince of Pound’ Smith.
Adding to this mature sound, the “icing on the cake” according to the band, are the soulful harmonies of Trish Burke and slick slide guitar of Buzzy James, both from California’s The Buzzy James Trio. I’m more than inclined to agree with them as this gives a tailor-made expansion to the output.
As is more often the case than not Roux has a story to tell and in these lyrics, with tongue firmly inserted in cheek, he unrepentantly tells of the three-sided love affair of man, dog and, of course, whiskey. The lady in his life has left but please send home some whiskey and the dog a bone!
This is The Orchestra at their finest and ably shows the diversity and honesty of their sound and how they have carved out a well deserved place in the forefront of the emerging rock scene.
‘Send Some Whiskey Home’ is now available to download and stream on all digital platforms
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/send-some-whiskey-home/1544052774?i=1544052775
Photo Credit: Stuart Webster
Review by Gary Spiller for MPM