Teddy and the Rough Riders

The profile on Teddy and the Rough Riders has risen quite a bit since they first appeared here with home recorded works that tied cosmic country, Alt-country, and the dirtier ends of Southern rock. In the past few years the band has hit the famous Ryman, found themselves in the studio with Margo Price, and glossed up their sound a bit closer to Nashville’s bread and butter, but as they close in on their third album, they retain their outsider spirit. On their second release for Appalachia Record Company the band hits some of their highest highs, stacking harmonies on “Catfish Summer” and stirring up soaring fiddles on “Mountain Girl.” Time spent touring with Emily Nenni, and opening for Orville Peck has definitely had an impact on the band and they’re settling into the studio with confidence.

No matter how much sheen and shine work their way in, though, the band’s still got a strain of jam in ‘em. Like friend and contemporary Sean Thompson, the Rough Riders bridge the knotted ends of Cosmic Americana with a classic cut of country that’s a lot more limber than the average radio single. “Hippies” keeps the flame on high, showcasing heady leads and a breathless pace. “Fast Livin” lives up to the boasts in its title, skidding through the Nashville streets with an ear for trouble and turbulence. The album is a perfect balance between the band’s past and their increasingly scrubbed up sound. Down Home finds the band growing into their own legend with ease.

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