Back in my days of playin’ music, in the 1980s, we called guys like Hank 3 “Cowpunk.” That was considered a cool title too. Basically I think Hank 3 is a riot and a chip off of ol’ grandpa’s block. Thankfully, he’s nothing like his Dad Hank Jr.
Born in 1972, Hank 3 has been playin all kinds of music and playin’ all kinds of instruments from drums, guitar, banjo & bass in all kinds of bands from Punk to Metal to hard-core hillbilly country. I guess you could refer to him as a real “Outlaw”…not the Nashville kind either.
The only album of his I’ve heard is this one: “Rebel Within.” He had some contract problems with Curb records the Nashville giant and decided to go his own way. This CD came out in 2010.
The album/Cd starts out with a hilarious song that really reminds me of Hank Sr. “Gettin’ Drunk & Fallin’ down” where Hank 3 describes in the simplest of terms just plane old partyin’ with booze and “fallin down.” Pretty humorous stuff! A very simple tune but super effective.
Next up is the title cut: “The Rebel Within” which features a galloping Cowpunk beat and a Heavy Metal guest singer chiming in between Hank 3’s vocal parts on the chorus in good contrast.
“Lookin For A Mountain” is cut #3 and is more down to earth country wise which Hank 3 seems to like to drift in and out of. Nice variety here.
“Drinkin Ain’t Hard To Do” again reminds me of his grandpa Hank Sr. and is easy to relate to as you listen to Hank 3’s candid lyrics. Like: “Cause there’s a barstool waitin’ right there for me.”
Continuing with the drinking motif, “Moonshiner’s Life” is a total Southern dream of a song about the real moonshiners of “East Tennessee.” Guys like: “Popcorn Sutton” who was infamous for moonshine brewing and jailed for the same. (He took his own life in jail which is not mentioned here).
“Karmageddon” features some nice acoustic guitar and fiddle sans drums that also reminds me a little of Hank Sr. This is not to mean that Hank 3 is not an original either because he is. Everybody has their influences and it must be nice to have a legend like Hank Sr. not only be your influence but also your grandfather. This tune features a howling hound, gun shots & a bugle call. Nice and original touch.
“Tore Up & Loud” is a change of pace with some Heavy Metal influences and some pretty salty language. The CD comes complete with a “Parental Advisory” sticker which is probably a good selling point ironically.
In “Drinkin Over Momma”, Hank 3 proclaims: “Momma got killed by her crack pipe.” Pretty darkly humorous stuff.
To summarize: I guess if Hank Sr. was alive and writing today, he’d sound a-lot like Hank 3. This album is not for children however. I really did enjoy it!
