A Determined Debut

Ben Bostick takes pride in his authenticity.  His gruff vocals and petulant attitude recall a time when country music was more about Hank Williams and Waylon Jennings than the radio-ready frat boy rock making the airwaves these days.

On his debut EP, aptly titled My Country (self-released Nov. 17, 2015), he drives that point home. He comes on like an unholy alliance of George Jones and Merle Haggard, after a few drinks tossed back at the corner bar.

Still, Bostick does more than merely mimic old sounds. Songs like the title track and “Running on Fuel” are filled with a rugged resolve that suggests there’s more than a little bit of heartbreak and disappointment residing just  below the surface.

Inside the gatefold, there’s a photo of Bostick giving the world a middle finger — an image that figures into his insurgent attitude while making no mistake that he’s an insurgent all the way.

Those sobering sentiments are manifest throughout My Country, be it the staunch determination of “Sweet Maria” or the sweet break-up ballad “Wait for Me.” But the resounding chorus that accompanies “Fade to Blue” sums his strengths up best. Despite the bittersweet set-up, Bostick’s resolve still shines through.

My Country is a decidedly bold bow, and one that leaves a most emphatic impression.