I’ve had my ear out for Hellbound Glory ever since Von posted their stuff on Americana Rock Mix. These guys play with wonderful expertise and competence, but that’s not what grabbed me.
You see, there are few things you need in life: love, happiness, and — when you have neither — a damn good bar band. Hellbound Glory should be at the top of your go-to list in those situations. Their energy and lyrical wit bring to mind a pre-Turbo Ocho Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers: fun-loving, humorous, but with a dark edge.
Old Highs and New Lows will not leave you guessing as to the thematic nature of this album. At this point in my life, I’m not especially inclined to listen to songs and songs and songs about OD’ing on Oxycotin (not really a drug of choice in NYC, truth be told) but if that’s where you’re at, well, this is one hell of an album for you. As I said, there’s a time and a place for bar bands, and I don’t think you’ll find too many who can suit your needs better than Hellbound Glory. I’m looking forward to seeing them here in New York sometime in the near future.