The Drive-By Truckers are time-tested warriors of the road. Their ability to weather tumultuous times and remain a group is now as much a part of their story as the revolving cast of characters who are telling it. After Jason Isbell left, many thought they would begin to write the last chapter, but they did not. Instead, they played some of the most passionate performances since their early days. They just wrote a new chapter and kept the show on the road. Well, they did it again. The last chapter ended with the departure of both the veteran bass player and axe-man, too. So, Hood and Cooley did what they are experts at: they started writing the next chapter! This one opens to a new young driver of the beat, a fresh face and new energy. And the empty seat left by Neff was quickly filled by everyone else. Jay Gonzalez certainly took the biggest step, playing guitar about 50% of the time. But, he didn’t bear the load alone. Hood and Cooley both elevated their game and matched the new energy coming out of the rhythm section with bigger solos and more animated deliveries. In my opinion, all this effect has taken the sound back to their roots before keys were a full time thing,…it’s the rock show all over again! This performance was the best I have seen from them in a long time. All complacency has been shed and they are on fire. I don’t know when the Drive-By Truckers story will write its ending, but until then I am hooked. I hope the book is damn thick.
I was on assignment for Listen Up Denver!, so check out the full review and images on their site:
Click here to read article published by Listen Up Denver!
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