Wednesday, September 26, 2012

EP Review : “Songs From The Laundromat” by Drivin’ n’ Cryin’

songs from the laundromat

Songs From The Laundromat [Explicit]

  • Original Release Date: June 12, 2012 Label: New! Records
  • Copyright: 2012 Drivin N Cryin Total Length: 14:50
  • Genres:Alternative Rock Format: Explicit Lyrics

This is the first of Veteran Southern alt rockers Drivin' N Cryin'  four EP releases over the next year. Southern college rockers Drivin’ N Cryin’ have been doing their thing for nearly thirty years, and along the way have been honing their sound and reeling in fans. With a nod to Athens, GA friends, R.E.M. this five-song EP is their first new material in three years—and only the second record of new material in a decade.

Formed in Atlanta in ’86, this combo decided to portion their sides in staggered EPs. These five songs represent their rock side. Now a quartet with leader Kevin Kinney sharing guitar chores with Sadler Vaden, they snarl one minute, jangle the next, and pay tribute to southern blues throughout. “Dirty” kicks off the EP and it’s as strong and blustery a track as anything they’ve done. It’s followed by “Ain’t Waitin’ On Tomorrow” and then comes one of the highlights; “REM”.

“REM” by Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ from the EP Songs From The Laundromat June 2012

“Clean Up” closes this set and is straight up country. oddly, coming off “rock” offering of the four EPs, it’s the one that’ll turn the DJs on and should garner some airplay.

Here’s an interesting business plan for a band: release your first new music in more than three years in batches, as EPs over the course of a 12-month period. And, consider focusing each EP on a different facet of your career. Plausible? Possible? Thoughts? Bueller?

In this day of digital downloads and instant e-satisfaction, bands are having to find new ways to hit their core audience and expand their fan base. I think Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ may have stumbled upon something. In their first attempt since the wonderful 2009 release Great American Bubble Factory, the band has embarked on yearlong journey which will benefit listeners with four EPs, each dedicated to various aspects of the approach they’ve been dishing out since the mid-1980s.

 

The Dirty Lowdown

Copyright © 2012 Robert Carraher All Rights Reserved

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