Big Neck (2017)
If we're judging books by their covers, I have to say I pretty much nailed this Wood Chickens album I was sent to review without ever hearing a note. I mean, the band is called Wood Chickens, the album is called Countrycide and there's an animal skull and some cactuses on the cover. Plus, I had reviewed a 7" by these guys a few months ago, so that probably helped a little bit as well.
It was somewhat comforting to put this record on and hear exactly what I was expecting. Wood Chickens are playing a caffeine fueled take on country music. But this isn't your modern day country ballads or even your dreary NPR alt-country nonsense. Countryside is thirteen songs of shit-kicking, hillbilly rock and roll. They remind me a bit of Southern Culture on the Skids, without the greaser vibe.
A better touchstone is Slim Cessna's Auto Club as Wood Chickens have a similar feeling of authenticity. I can't say I like this as much as Slim Cessna, but this LP is much better overall than the 7" I had previously reviewed. I'm not sure Countrycide is in my wheelhouse enough for this to end up being a frequently played album, but it is a fun little excursion into something different. Plus it would provide an excellent soundtrack if I ever felt the need to chase some moonshiners on dirt covered backroads.
Wood Chickens - Countrycide:
