Album Notes

South85, alt-country rockers with one foot on either side of the NC/SC line, debut their second CD “Too Much Town” an impressive musical leap forward for the band. The disc was produced by Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (Bottle Rockets, Steve Earle, Del Lords), tracked locally at Old House Studio, and at Roscoe’s facility in Brooklyn.

In addition to big-league production, the vocal and instrumental performances reflect the experience of many live shows around the region over the past two years. Mike Bader’s guitar provides flavorful rock and roll crunch over the tight as a tick rhythm section of Eric Howard (drums) and Andy Burger (bass), confirming that South85 now plays as well in the studio as they do live.

But, it is the songs on “Too Much Town”, written or co-written by bandleader Kathy Noonan and guitarist Mike Bader, that are the most impressive aspect of the release. Noonan’s songs, and South85’s sound, are catchy and appealing enough to be almost commercial, but with an artistic depth and musical sensibility (think Kim Richey, Matracia Berg) that set them apart from typical 21st century CMT fare.

And lead singer Tracy Wyatt, as strong a vocal talent as any contemporary Nashville diva, shines throughout with an honest down home twang and occasional touch of humor that hints at the rockin’ good time she and the band are known to deliver in its live show.