I haven't really been into country music since I was 12. Listening to my Skitz Mega Mix 2000 vol. 356 tape on my Sony Sports Walkman on the way to school - Cotton Eye Joe blaring out those great yellow ear phones (yeah that's right Apple and your evil iPod - Sony were the first to be different with their yellow ear phones... white isn't really a colour anyway). Other than a brief flirt with Shania and the Dixie Chicks country music hasn't really tickled my fancy. Hang on... I just worked out what 'tickle my fancy' means. Didn't I first hear that in a Disney movie or something? Walt, you old codger you.
Anyway, last week I managed to catch a top country/ blues outfit who completely changed my opinion of country music and has left me thirsty for more. Let me introduce the Sydney group The New Days. A truly talented group of individuals. John Dance on vocals and guitar with a voice reminiscent of Nick Cave or Johnny Cash is in contrast to Jonathon Miller who I may have mistaken as the reincarnation of Jeff Buckley had it not been for that bass in his hands. Follow that up with one of the best lead guitarists I have had the pleasure of seeing in a long time. Evan Lock playing on instinct, hardly flinching at the incredibly difficult strings he was pulling. And Chris Rudge on drums not afraid to take control of any song and playing with passion that most drummers seem to leave at home these days. If you get a chance, see these guys live. It was one of the best gigs I've seen in some time and you won't be short of being satisfied.

Check out their MySpace site here.

And here are some samples from their self-titled EP released last April.

The New Days - 20/20
The New Days - Mary

Also found this nice track from Melbourne band Souls on Board. From their self titled EP which you can purchase here.

Souls on Board - Hand

Labels: Souls On Board, The New Days