Country rockers the Banditos will serve up their grungy style of southern rebellion at the Dolores River Brewery on Friday night on the outdoor stage.
Barging out of Birmingham, Ala., the six friends have turned their varied musical talents into a freight train of success in just four years as a band.
Their live performances and just released self-titled first album are getting rave reviews nationwide.
"With bouncy, sped-up rhythms, their debut album really knows how to get the listener's toe-tapping," says Blues Rock Review. "The band further showcases their versatility in the tracks "Waitin'" and "No Good," a couple of simmering, melancholy ballads that exemplify the best of what could be called the swampland torch song."
Now based in Nashville, the Banditos are storming the country on tour, frightening the children with their outlaw ZZ Top-like appearance and wowing audiences with aggressive musical chops.
Their classic Americana look and talented honky-tonk style recently scored them a European gig for a Jack Daniels promotion in France.
"We stood out like a sore thumb on a yacht party with Sting and Kim Kardashian," said guitarist Corey Parsons in an interview. "The French Riviera is a little out of our element, but we did it for the free booze."
The group of 20-somethings clicked during an impromptu performance at one of their favorite Birmingham bars, and have since done 600 live shows in three years.
Energetic lead vocalist Mary Beth Richardson used to sing in church choirs, but now belts out tunes in a rockin' style reminiscent of Janice Joplin, then swoons the crowd into submission during country ballads with her rich, melodic tone.
Drummer Randy Wade and guitarist Jeffrey Salter have a classical, jazz backgrounds, and Parsons grew up playing punk rock in Birmingham basements and garages.
"We took something from our heavy-metal, punk rock days, so that aggressiveness stayed with us," Parsons said.
The raucus-looking group describes its style as "hill-country mojo" combining blues-fused acid rock with backwoods bluegrass, with a nod toward CCR, Georgia King Satellites, Muscle Shoals, and the Drive-By Truckers.
"We're working hard touring our asses off," Parsons said. "We're really proud of our new album and are looking forward to going all the way for our show in Dolores."
Cover is $10, and the show starts at 8 p.m.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com
