In Anywhere On Good Roads, the boys from Leaving, TX have come up with a fine sophomore release filled with songs about drinkin’, smokin’, lyin’, and killin’. And drinkin’. Okay, pretty much all the songs are about drinkin’. But that’s okay. We like that.

Leaving, TX is: Chris Patterson on vocals, acoustic, and electric guitar; Garry Cecil on bass and backing vocals; Thor Smith on drums; and Andrew Buhler on electric, pedal steel, and lap steel guitars. Tony Correlli, who co-produced the CD (and recorded and mixed it) also helps out with the Hammond B3 organ on “ Drinkin’ Again”. They’re based in the Maryland suburbs of D.C.

Patterson writes the songs (three songs were co-written with Biff Rendar). The pedal steel gives some of the tunes an old-timey country flavor but there is still some harder rock . . . They describe themselves as "a country band with a twang-rock problem."

The sound is quintessential Americana – thoroughly grounded in country but not completely country. Patterson’s voice has that rough quality that helps country music avoid being boring. It sounds like it hurts by the end of the night.

The track I find myself hitting repeat on is “Lies” – it has one of my favorite Slobberbone riffs in it – and that Slobberbone song is a cover (you know, that BeeGees song they stuck on Slippage.

So, yeah, this material isn’t blindingly original but I like it. The stuff that sounds like other bands is good stuff. So there you go.

Lead singer Chris Patterson’s voice has the rough edges that invite comparisons to Brent Best, Patterson Hood, and one of my current favorites, Creosote.  Leaving TX’s website cites a strong Jon Dee Graham influence but you don’t need to read it on the web to hear it.

The music is rowdy; the lyrics, rebellious. With titles like “My Own Songs,” “You’re To Blame,” and “Give A Damn,” these guys appear to have a chip on their shoulders.  The kind of chip that leads to good music.  The one cover on the disc is Nick Lowe’s tongue-in-cheek “Peace, Love, and Understanding,” a song that resonates this year.

Aside from writing the music and fronting the band, Patterson plays electric and acoustic guitar. The rest of the band includes Garry Cecil (bass and backing vocals), Thor Smith (drums), and Andrew (electric and pedal steel guitars).  They come from all over the place: Paterson from Iowa, Buhler from Miami, Cecil from Scotland and Smith from Norway.  The disc was produced by Paul Grupp (Eagles, Charlie Daniels, Boston).

Patterson’s songs are solid. There is lots of stuff in here about whiskey and women – two themes that he combines perfectly in “Bourbon Breath Kiss.”  Interspersed are complaints about traditional country music stations and, you know, relationship songs.  The cocky “My Own Songs” where he mentions his influences: Steve Earle, Jon Dee Graham, Drive By Truckers, Hank and Johnny Cash is a fun ride.

There is a strong resemblance to Hayes Carll here.  Real strong.  Also Reckless Kelly by way of Jack Ingram – with a little more gravel the voice.  I like the gravel.

The name, Leaving TX, signifies the emotional ties the group has to Texas, and, specifically, Austin.  But they’re currently located in D.C. so catch them at the Austin Grill if you get up there. Or someplace like that.

Free MP3 Download:
Bourbon Breath Kiss