EP review: BOOTYARD BANDITS – The Very Best Of

Facebook [Release date 17.04.20]

The Bootyard Bands may play country rock/Wild West music and give the impression they hail from the US, when in fact they are from Worcester UK. Touring wise they have supported the likes of Massive Wagons and Alestorm, and like the latter band the Bootyard Bandits don’t take themselves too seriously.

This five song EP kicks off with ‘Shirt Potatoes’ which sets their flag firmly in the Steel Panther/Tragedy comedy/pastiche lyrics and songbook, although a tad more subtle than Steel Panther who have quickly run past their sell by date. As the band note the video features “Tractors, combines, hay bales, 4x4s, guns and cowgirls. What more could any self-respecting country rock fan need!?” The song features a catchy riff and chorus. One thing the Bootyard Bandits can do is play well, be it riff heavy guitars or some thrash banjo playing.

‘Hoedown Showdown’ was the first single off this EP and has a high body count if you listen to the lyrics. Who knew country music dancing could be so violent?! ‘One Hell Of A Night’ sort of carries on the theme being a raucous drinking song and one that would make an ideal band duet with Alestorm, another band who like their rum and whiskey.

‘Country Music’ is great fun, with just the right amount of emphasis on country to get past any daytime radio sensors. Listen and you’ll see what I mean!

‘Ladies Man’ sails a bit too close to Black Stone Cherry’s ‘Blame It On The Boom Boom’, another song that err celebrates the band’s virility. It is the weakest song on here, but still not bad.

Bootyard Bandits would definitely be a band to see live (sadly their EP launch show in Blackpool this month had to be postponed), as I would imagine their live set is as energetic and enjoyable as say Massive Wagons. Until the live scene returns we can enjoy this EP, just make sure you have a broad mind and sense of humour check before listening… ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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