We usually don’t review country/americana on this blog… but why the hell not, right?
Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders are not your usual country dudes anyway. Hailing from Australia, instead of somewhere “down south” in the US, Billy got inspired by artists like Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen. Neil Young and Bruce Springstreen to grab the guitar. In his new album “The Last Of The Originals” he masterfully blends americana with hard rock and folk to create contemporary sounding “global country”.
“No more mr. nice guy” possesses a catchy vibe and pretty badass lyrics and I really like the following track “Not that special” – the melody is really great and it somehow reminds me of Tom Waits and Nick Cave at the same time.
More of the Nick Cave influence you can feel at the manner of singing of the opening “Mrs.Jones” characterized by “Versace bags”, “drinking vodka like there is no tomorrow” and “blue extasy pills”.
“The last of the originals” is a very interesting album and Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders bring a breath of fresh air in the country scene, especially coming from Australia where this type of music is definitely not the most popular.
“I would rather be more than I promised and less than I said. I don’t wanna be someone I am not.” the artist confesses.
More about Billy and his project on his official website and Bandcamp.
