If you’re going to name your band after one of the most revered harmonizing duos in country music, you’d best be up to the standard set by the originals. Charlotte, N.C.’s the Loudermilks — named after the Louvin Brothers real surname — get the job done.
It’s not brothers Alan and Chad Edwards’ first foray into country. As Lou Ford, the brothers tore it up on the alt-country circuit from ’96 till they self destructed in 2003.
The new incarnation came together in ’11, featuring the brothers along with former Lou Ford drummer Shawn Lynch on bass and vocals, and ex-Jolene member Mike Kenerley on drums.
The new band is a kindler, gentler version of Ford without the hard core gloom. Even though the Louvins’ harmonizing is prevalent throughout the 10 originals written by the brothers, the arrangements are all over the musical spectrum.
The band recalls the Flying Burrito Brothers on the mandolin chop-enhanced “Watch Em Fall,” with Joe Smith providing some mighty fine weepy pedal steel filling in the cracks. “Quite Honestly” features Louvin Brothers-style close harmony over a twangy, loose-limbed, Stonesy jangle. Although its title sounds ominous, “Darkness Of Hell” comes across like the Everly Brothers on Xanax: fuzzy, soft core gloom. “Come Along With Me” has a Bakersfield lope buoyed with a handful of rattly honky-tonk guitar. And, for a complete change of pace, “The Plan” sounds like R.E.M. on a country-style picnic.
“Georgia Pines” feels more Charlie Daniels than Louvins, but the Loudermilks’ harmony recalls the tight-knit vocal bonds of their namesakes.
The Loudermilks’ debut is a nice ride in the country with plenty of changes of scenery to enjoy as it glides by. Put your top down, pop it in, stretch out, and enjoy the trip.
Grant Britt
