When it comes to country, the Midwest is certainly not a hotspot by any stretch. That’s not to say there isn’t a prevailing fanbase for this type of music, but there’s no short supply of cover bands to drink your winter away to. But Michigan Rattlers are one of those rare bands with all the grit and soul of the red dirt scene and just enough rock influence to keep their sound from ever feeling too commercial.
The band’s sophomore LP feels miles away from the North Michigan roots of the band; Marc Cohn-flavored piano and Nashville-grade drumming give a warm-yet-earthy flavor to these songs, for instance. And while the vocals have their own degree of southern soulfulness, they aren’t done without taste. Nothing here feels dishonest and much as it does displaced—these songs long for different pastures, you might say.
One thing that the band, and many of their most interesting compatriots, pull off well is a sense of timelessness and maturity. The deep, rich vocal textures and tightly-structured arrangements of these tracks are a far cry from the comedy of modern country clichés. So, the immediate cognitive path is to the past, where songwriting was the focus, and painted-on jeans were still just some weird fantasy. Now, I’m certainly not claiming music of the past was superior by any stretch—but popular country and southern rock of the current decade looks sharply different than it did for early generations. Michigan Rattlers seem to nod back to a purer state of things. And even pictures of the band show a youth eclipsed by their songwriting.
Ultimately, this is a polished release with plenty of personality, whether through buttery vocal delivery or crisp guitar and bright Wurlitzer. The first few tracks are some of the strongest of the album, giving a sense of the band’s approach to dynamics, showcasing softer moments and hints of force as well. And while the second half of the album takes a bit of a quieter approach on a few tracks, the album ends much as it started with a few more highlight songs. There’s even a bit of saxophone to cap off the last track, adding a boost of fanfare. Even though the themes of the album are sobering at times, it largely feels fun. It’s easy to picture walking through Memphis streets at night with these songs as a backdrop.
Michigan Rattlers are a refreshing band that hint at a possible Midwest pocket of like-minded acts to come. That Kind of Life doesn’t play games or cut corners; it rests on solid songwriting, powerful hooks, and captivating nuance. And if this is just the band’s third proper release, they’re got a promising career ahead.
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