Turnpike Troubadours’ New Album Affirms Their Tenacious Approach

Four albums in, the Turnpike Troubadours show themselves to be as resolute as ever, thanks to a rugged sound underscored with drive and determination. Their new album, a self-titled set, finds that it doesn’t get much more riveting than this, and on tracks such as “The Bird Hunters,” “Down Here,” “Time of Day,” and “Long Drive Home,” the band shows a rootsy resolve that’s a product of verve and deliberation. They’re especially adept at crafting the kind of backwoods anthems that play to a crowd’s expectations, and when they expend their energy, it’s hard to avoid being caught up in that overt exhilaration. Their fist pumping melodies are flush with a kind of howl from the heartland, a mix of edginess and pure resilience. While Springsteen, Fogerty and Mellencamp might seem like the most obvious role models, they’re also able to retreat from that rockier regimen by also basking in bluegrass trappings. “Doreen,” “7 Oaks” and “Bossier City” (the latter referenced on the title of their debut album and the name given their own indie label) prove the point, making it clear that aside from a sturdy delivery, they’re basically good old boys at heart. The success attained by the current album and its predecessor, Goodbye Normal Street, indicate that there are many fans who agree, especially when it comes to boosting their rankings on the country music charts. Granted, their hardbitten persona isn’t exactly in keeping with what Nashville would normally embrace. But as traditional country continues to expand its base, the Turnpike Troubadours are the perfect band to pave the way.