The
Sickstring Outlaws - Johnny Drank Jack (Independent)
The Sickstring Outlaws is a San Diego based six-piece
outlaw country band, led by Ron Houston (lead vocal, guitar) and Rizzy Rizborne
(vocal, guitar). The pair started off a few years ago as an acoustic duo, but
such was their popularity amongst local bar dwellers and country music fans
that they wrote a bunch of songs, evolved into their current line-up, and in
2011 released their acclaimed debut, “Not So Bluegrass”. Now, just a year later
they back with a sophomore effort, “Johnny Drank Jack”, on which they’ve neatly
sidestepped any feared second album slump, and delivered a dozen songs, big on
Merle Haggard, substance abuse and age-related sexual shenanigans. Of course,
it’s all done tongue in cheek (not necessarily their own), and there’s much fun
to be had.
They kick things off with “Old Saint Peter”, a rollicking country rocker about
future expectations once the bucket’s been well and truly kicked. “I Like Merle Haggard”, you may or
may not be surprised to hear, is a song about liking Merle Haggard (and getting
stoned). In fact, singing songs that refer to musical heroes is a recurring
theme, whether it’s Johnny Cash (the title track), or a whole gaggle of names
on “Let 'em Know”. So,
they’re definitely not shy about their influences, but they’re good enough to
carry it off, and I suspect anyone with a soft spot for outlaw country, roots
rock or Americana in general will find themselves listening to “Johnny Drank
Jack” with a big ol’ grin on their face.
Rob F.
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