What does Ol Yeller frontman Rich Mattson know about hard-hitting country rock? Well, a lot. For over a decade, Mattson fronted the Glenrustles one of the toughest roots-rock bands in the Twin Cities. With Ol Yeller, though Mattson tends to keep some of that gritty, classic rock sound, everything feels like a much mellower, more thoughtful endeavor.
The pop sensibility of guitar ace Randy Casey (who has since parted ways with the band) makes for a nice match with Mattsons piercing guitar and gravely growl. The band has a real knack for pretty harmonies (Piece Of Work and To Thine Own Self), country-soaked toe tappers (The Denial Song) and solid, moving tunes (Follow The Heart).
Recording at Mattsons Flower Pot studio, Ol Yeller got a little help from pedal steel ace Eric Heywood and their solid rhythm section of Keely Lane (Trailer Trash) and Dale Kallman. Their self-titled debut is quality Americana for anyone who likes a glass of wine with their meat and potatoes.