Leaving, TX,
100 Miles to Sunday



Label: Lucky Range Records

Editor's note: Our original review generated quite a bit of feedback, some of which took issue with influences attributed to the band. After considering these valid criticisms, I condensed the original review and added a second opinion below. — PN

First opinion:

(2 out of 5)

Maryland-based quartet Leaving, TX combines several skilled players who seem unable to look beyond what is to what might be. In-and-of-itself, that's fine: not every would-be songwriter is a Woody Guthrie or a Townes Van Zandt.

The band's debut album, 100 Miles to Sunday, succeeds in parts. Bassist Gary Cecil's backing vocals offer a nice counter to Chris Patterson's gravely Van Morrison meets Joe Strummer lead on "Nashville" (listen) and "Fallen Angel" (listen). Patterson's voice comes through well on the ballad "Fifteen Years" (listen), and Andrew Buehler wields a strong, melodic lead guitar.

Sadly the band's unoriginal songwriting doesn't match its creative playing, a problem even veteran engineer/producer Paul Grupp (Charlie Daniels Band, REO Speedwagon) is unable to remedy.

There's enough talent and passion here to mark this as a group worth watching. But perhaps Leaving, TX would benefit from some extra songwriting sessions before returning to the studio.

Reviewed by Adam Black
July 20, 2006

Second opinion:

(4 out of 5)

Leaving, TX has been described as everything from alt-country to country, twang-rock to cow-punk. And they've been compared to artists like Jon Dee Graham, Reckless Kelly, and the Drive-By Truckers. The band successfully blends all these styles and more on their first album, 100 Miles to Sunday.

None of the members hails from Texas — lead vocalist, chief songwriter, and guitarist Chris Patterson is an Iowa native, bassist Gary Cecil is a Scotsman, drummer Thor Smith is from Norway, and steel guitarist Andrew Buhler is a Floridian — and the band is based in Washington, D.C. But despite the geographical roots, the Lone Star state greatly influences Leaving, TX (a name conceived by Patterson while begrudgingly returning from a music-filled Austin weekend).

Quality musicianship makes the band stand out at first listen. Patterson's and Buhler's guitar work is exceptional. Cecil's bass and harmony vocals are strong, as is Smith's drum work. These guys are not your typical country band. Live, they play their own alt-country, cow-punk influenced versions of Snoop Dogg's "Gin & Juice" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" — and their twists on these tunes are quite entertaining.

Patterson's vocals are unique, in a good way. His raspy, whiskey-soaked style fits perfectly with personal heroes like Graham, Steve Earle, and Johnny Cash, whose influences can be heard throughout the disc. As songwriter, Patterson isn't likely to be confused with Townes Van Zandt or Bob Dylan. But what's wrong with songs that are enjoyable to listen to, influence you to have a few drinks, and help you have a good time? That's what you get with Leaving, TX.

All of the songs on 100 Miles to Sunday are Patterson originals, with the exception of a countrified, pedal steel cover of Nick Lowe's "What's So Funny, About Peace, Love, & Understanding?" (listen). The 11 originals share recurring themes like drinking, bad relationships, woman troubles, and the recording industry in general. There's no new thematic ground broken, but this band's musical ability goes well beyond your average cow-punks. Hell, they even manage to go bluegrass on "Give a Damn" (listen), showing just how broadly talented these guys are.

"Fallen Angel" (listen) and "Bourbon Breath Kiss" (listen) are probably the most radio friendly songs. "If the Bottle Doesn't Kill Me" (there's a woman here who will — listen) follows classic country themes — hangover, drinking problem, bad relationship — it's only missing mama and a train. The title track (listen) tells of the commitment and lost family time required of anyone trying to make it in music. Another comment on the business aspect of music is "My Own Songs" (listen), wherein Patterson pays tribute to his influences while swiping at the often cruel nature of the recording industry and country radio. The disc's best song may be "You're to Blame" (listen), which pairs the guitar work of Patterson and Buhler with the tale of a relationship gone badly. But of course some relationships succeed, and Patterson pays heartfelt tribute to his wife on the closing ballad "Fifteen Years" (listen), which showcases just how good his voice can be.

The band brought on veteran producer /engineer Paul Grupp (the Byrds, Charlie Daniels, Boston) to help polish 100 Miles to Sunday, and you can hear his influence throughout. Although this band may be better off in their raw form, without too much knob turning.

This first release shows some great potential, and it's been successful both here in the States and across the pond (where it hit #8 on the European Americana charts). I'm looking forward to their next album and expect it will show the growth one would expect from musicians with this much natural talent.

Do yourself a favor and check out Leaving, TX at www.leavingtx.com or www.myspace.com/leavingtx — you'll be glad you did.

Reviewed by Biff Rendar
August 1, 2006