(Palo Duro) Dallas, Texas based Eleven Hundred Springs built up their fanbase through constant touring and a string of self-made, self released albums. Taking their name from a slogan on a can of Pearl brand beer, Eleven Hundred Springs formed in 1998 from the remnants of the Lone Star Trio rockabilly band and is made up of founding members Matt Hillyer (lead vocalist, guitar, primary songwriter) and Steve Berg (upright bass, harmony vocals), along with Aaron Wynne (pedal steel), Chris Claridy (lead guitar, harmony vocals) and former Toadies drummer Mark Reznicek. Among their influences are Ronnie Dawson, Doug Sahm, The Rev. Horton Heat, Buck Owens and Willie Nelson. Their style of music is no frills Texas that's deeply rooted in old school traditional country, outlaw country and rockabilly. Their look belies their sound, as is described in their song, "Long-Haired Tattooed Hippie Freaks," and they look more like a band of grungy rockers than one of the hardest working country bands on the Texas music circuit.

Co-produced with Tommy Detamore, Bandwagon is EHS's first release on Palo Duro and here they've re-recorded some of their best songs off their self-released albums along with a few newly written songs. In a gesture of tribute, the album also features a rare recording with the late Ronnie Dawson. As a matter of fact, EHS dedicates the whole album to Ronnie.

Bandwagon opens with a breezy trip through some heavily Doug Sahm influenced territory with the bouncy, Tex-Mex "Northside Blues." EHS's Bakersfield influence comes through on the no-frills fast two-stepper, "If I Was A Candle" and the terrific, traditionally twangy "The Only Thing She Left Me Was The Blues." They show off their outlaw side with some humor and nice tempo changes in the self-depreciating "Long Haired Tattooed Hippie Freaks." Waylon's influence can't be missed in the thumping bassline of "Thunderbird Will Do Me Fine," into which they also slip a few Willie style guitar licks. "Can't Win For Losing" is a creative winner where, two songs that come to mind stylistically speaking: Waylon's "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit Has Done Got Out Of Hand" collides with Marty Brown's "I Don't Want To See You" with great results. The chugging "Hank Williams Wouldn't Make It Now In Nashville, Tennessee" is a swipe at the soulless, empty, feel-good music coming out of Nashville these days. EHS delivers their previously acoustic gospel influenced search for salvation, "A Straighter Line," and plug in, which results in a hard edged outlaw sound that kicks up an already terrific song several notches.

Matt's voice already bears a similarity to a young Rodney Crowell, and the pretty, mid-tempo steel driven "Gina From San Jose," veers into that same singer/songwriter territory. "Swerving" is a captivating swaying, steel driven tale of heartache peppered with bits of Tex-Mex. "See You In The Next Life" is a great kiss off song that adds interest by starting out quietly stark and gradually builds in angry intensity as the song progresses. They don't neglect their rockabilly influences and offer up a swinging standout with "Brand New Shoes." Previously only available in a live version, EHS has finally recorded a studio version of "The Rock Island Line" and a very fine version it is, as it truly shows off both their sense of tradition and their terrific musical chops. Bandwagon's centerpiece and absolute highlight is the outstanding and powerful "Why You Been Gone So Long," a mezmerizing mid-tempo bluesy song, that features the late Ronnie Dawson on vocals. The track was originally recorded by Matt and Ronnie back in '93. After Ronnie passed away, they pulled out the track, did some remixing and decided to include it on Bandwagon to serve as their personal tribute to him.

Fans who are already familiar with the talented Eleven Hundred Springs shouldn't pass on this album because they already own many of the songs on Bandwagon. The production is better on the re-recorded songs and those that appeared on their all acoustic album, A Straighter Line, are put in a new light and benefit from the new plugged-in versions. The brand new songs are a real treat and rank among their strongest to date. For those not familiar with Eleven Hundred Springs, Bandwagon should prove to be an enjoyable introduction to this band of "long-haired tattooed hippie freaks" whose hearts and souls are firmly rooted in country tradition.          

Standout Tracks: "Northside Blues," "The Only Thing She Left Me Was The Blues," "Can't Win For Losing," "Swerving," "Brand New Pair Of Shoes," A Straighter Line," "Why You Been Gone So Long," "See You In The Next Life" 

On The Net: www.palodurorecords.com www.elevenhundredsprings.com

AnnMarie Harrington TakeCountryBack October 2004

Read TCB's review of Eleven Hundred Springs' previous release:

http://www.takecountryback.com/reviews/1100rev0603.htm