Everything on the road and in between
Drive-By Truckers, American rock band based in Athens, Georgia, have released their 14th studio album Welcome 2 Club XIII, a cataphoric recollective of a chaotic musical story. It is a narrative of despair, irresistible addiction to miles of open road, delirious invincibility and the ceaseless company of penny beer and cheap cocaine. This Southern rock band is not one to shy away from uncomfortable topics including this album’s deep dive into the reflective history of this unbinding band.
“The Driver” has a flare in letting the music speak for itself by using intense guitar flares and a contemplative neo-esque charm as moments of silence. With telling lyrics such as “An unwritten novel / our Huck Finn adventure / Come to life / we were living in real-time,” “The Driver” delves into blind spots, narrating epiphanies and soul-jerking sights.
“Maria’s Awful Disclosures” is a track with great intention of false confession, a beating drum and light guitar riffs that tells a detailed story of belief, non-existence, confession and indulgence. This song holds many lyrics that are cataclysmic and gripping. Some examples are, “If some know nothing / nothing’s keeping some from knowing it all,” a heavy breakdown of knowing ignorance that is supported by the notion of, “Predispositions turn spaces in men / into thirsty pages for a hell-bent pen.” Drive-By Truckers talk controversy and the nitty gritty of unspoken inclination and subliminal demand.
“Shake and Pine” is a track that is a quest for answers, to questions on fleeting moments better left unquestioned. Backed by a rather upbeat guitar solo it is in resonance of coming to acceptance while reeling on the unknown.
Ironically enough, Drive-By Truckers pay homage in “Welcome 2 Club XIII,” a song that describes in vivid detail the sights, sounds and smells of a memorable club. With descriptions of acting obscenities, penny beer and cheap cocaine. Drive-By Truckers describe their early days playing club shows.
Drive-By Truckers Welcome 2 Club XIII is an album that is authentic, unruly, forgiving and insightful. The album takes on a creative narrative to the early days of touring for this band that is both euphoric and cataclysmic. It is a clear window that paints strong imagery that makes the listener feel like they are driving down the same open road while recollecting tales of beauty and mayhem with the band.
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