Eleven Hundred Springs,
Bandwagon

Label: Palo Duro Records
Year: 2004

(4 out of 5)

Eleven Hundred Springs has cultivated a significant following thanks to homegrown recordings and a constant touring schedule. Now signed to Palo Duro Records ("Country Music, Texas Spirit'"—yet still based in Tennessee), EHS has the distribution and backing to help the band reach the big-time.

Just because the band signed a new record deal doesn't mean that it has changed its style or abandoned its roots. Eleven Hundred Springs definitely delivers on Bandwagon. With a voice reminiscent of a young Rodney Crowell, lead vocalist and songwriter Matt Hillyer guides EHS through a potent country, blues, and rockabilly blend.

The anthemic "Long Haired Tattooed Hippie Freaks" sets the stage: They call us long haired, tattooed, hippie freaks / You know they ain't all wrong / You'd think they never saw a bad outlaw / Singin' a country song / But if they'd close their eyes and open their ears / And let the music speak / They'd hear good old country music / Not just long haired, tattooed freaks. While the band may have signed to a Nashville label, they're still Texas Music outlaws. That outlaw spirit shines through on cuts like the drinkin' and tokin' "Thunderbird Will Do Just Fine" and the anti-establishment "Hank Williams Wouldn't Make It Now In Nashville Tennessee."

The closing tracks provide the real highlights. Featuring the late Ronnie Dawson on vocals, "Why You Been Gone So Long" showcases the stellar pedal steel of EHS's Aaron Wynne while paying homage to one of the band's major influences. "See You In The Next Life" combines heartfelt lyrics with teriffic lead and backing vocals. The closing track, "The Rock Island Line," allows the band to demonstrate its playful side and instrumental skills.

While there may be a couple of missteps ("Gina From San Jose" and "Swerving" come to mind), Bandwagon is an excellent mid-label debut for one of Texas's best-kept secrets.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

August 15, 2004