EP review: HILLBILLY VEGAS – Greetings From Hillbilly Vegas

Conquest Records [Release date 17.06.22]

Hillbilly Vegas have been around since 2011 making quite a name for themselves in their native USA and now look set to repeat that success in the UK & Europe. They already have UK dates lined-up in November, with European dates and festival appearances planned for next year. Until then they are using this EP to introduce themselves.

Hillbilly Vegas are Steve Harris (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Stacy Thornburg (Guitar), Jason Meredith (Guitar), Marty Lynch (Bass), Troy Hollinger (Drums) and Andy Wise (Backing Vocals).

The EP features two songs from their forthcoming album, plus three tried and tested live favourites. Both ‘High Time For A Good Time’ and ‘Field Full Of Hillbillies’ (the lyrics on this one are superbly tongue in cheek) are fine examples of southern rock. Think the Black Crowes crossed with Lynyrd Skynyrd and add a distinct Stones vibe on the backing vocals.

‘Mason Jars and Moonlight’ features plenty of tasty guitar solos, with a Molly Hatchett feel overall. ‘Hell To Pay’ is a kick out the jams hard rocker. A song that will sound good live I am sure.

‘Losin’ To Win’ is a well-crafted ballad, made that extra bit special by the vocal performance of Steve Harris. The organ backing on here adds greatly to the song’s overall feel and sound, as indeed does the organ/keyboard fills throughout the course of the EP.

Robert Jon & the Wreck, Blackberry Smoke and now Hillbilly Vegas, all proving southern rock is alive and well. A band to add to your ‘to see live’ list and in the meantime crank up this fine five song treat. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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