The Dirty River Boys -- from West Texas -- exploded onto the stage with their outlaw folk style. I couldn't keep count of how many instruments they included in their show. The Dirty River Boys feature four lead vocalists that can harmonize to perfection. Percussion is accomplished in true outlaw fashion with a sit-down cajon wooden box, snare drum and tambourine. The rhythm guitar player stomped a kick drum, and the bass player was on fire.
Uncle Lucius -- from Austin, Texas -- anchored the show, and their energy level never subsided. This was a CD release party for the band's new album, "And You Are Me," which was released on August 28 and has received many accolades. "Pocket Full of Misery", the first single, is a powerful story about hard living. "Keep The Wolves Away" is a well told story about family life on the Gulf Shores of South Texas. The winding lyrics begin by describing a rough childhood, with the narrator's father struggling to put food on his family's table. The song ends up in the present, stating, "So I'm going for broke with every song I play / 'cause now it's my turn to keep the wolves away." Uncle Lucius returns to St. Louis on October 21 at the Old Rock House, opening for Cody Canada and the Departed.
All photos by Rick Priest.
