REVIEW: Backsliders, Southern Lines (Mammoth)
- Tracey Bleile
Not all that long ago, Chip Robinson, singer and principal songwriter of Raleigh, N.C.'s Backsliders found himself living out the extreme end of a country song cliche, and it wasn't just a girl who left him or a truck that broke down. More like the defection of most of his band, just as the Backsliders were coming off the success of their first alt.country release, Throwing Rocks At The Moon and halfway into the recording of their new effort for Mammoth, Southern Lines. Robinson lost his foil when his co-writer and singer Steve Howell had a parting of the ways with Robinson musically, and, finally, emotionally.
Southern Lines is in more ways than one then a nod to memories and regrets. The songs are filled with bluesy sentiment and hard knocks. The simpler country feel of Howell's songs remain in sharp contrast to Robinson's more aggressive barroom rock. The songs that showcase the last of their collaboration is of course, a magical blend of the two, the sad shuffle of "It Rained On Monday" follows the boozy snarl of "Don't Ask Me Why." The regret can truly be found in that the sound is far more developed and emotionally deep than Throwing Rocks. There are touches of many influences, but mostly a meeting of the ways once again of Chapel Hill jangle, southern rock grit and a voice that speaks weary volumes, nasal twang and all (shades of Neil Young, it's true), revealing one of the better-developed acts of the genre.
Original lineup guitarist Brad Rice returned to help finish the album, and with the addition of a new crew of Backsliders, Southern Lines did indeed see the brightening gray light of day. Like the last album, Southern struts up out of the shadows and up to the bar in a swingin' blaze of cockiness with the opener (and first single) "Abe Lincoln," or takes you on a two-step around the room with a number like "Burning Bed," then slumps down in a chair, telling a sad story to anyone who will listen in "Two Candles."
Honesty, faith, warmth, hope lost and hope found are Chip Robinson's touchstones. May those feelings never become cliches only found in a country song. The Backsliders succeed in making you believe it could be true.
