They’re back.
The greatest modern country (or Americana, depending which side of the overblown debate you’re on) band has returned with some new music and a new video. Turnpike Troubadours have not released a piece of music since 2017’s A Long Way from Your Heart, but on May 5th, the band dropped their newest single, “Mean Old Sun.” To the few people out there who had their doubts or reservations about the quality of their new work: you may rest easy.
“Mean Old Sun” opens with some haunting plucks, but when you hear Evan Felker’s vocals kick in, it’s like reuniting with an old friend. The songwriting is top notch and hasn’t lost its effectiveness in the past years one bit. Speaking of not missing a step, the instrumentals are incredible, and every member of Turnpike brings their talents to the spotlight at some point in the tune. The cemented drumbeat is matched only by the metronome itself, Kyle Nix rips the fiddle, and everyone else proves that they’re still at the top of their game. Not to mention, Shooter Jenning’s production is outstanding. It brings out that classic Turnpike sound, but there are definitely elements in “Mean Old Sun” that sound like a new approach for them.
The fanbase around this band is almost always a very positive group who will support them through anything, which is obvious from their response to the hiatus Turnpike took a few years back. It is important to know that every music group or artist wants to grow. Some grow faster than others, but they all grow. In the case of Turnpike, their past releases have all maintained a common framework musically and lyrically, but there has always been slight change. With their upcoming album, A Cat in the Rain, set to release on August 25th, let’s remember the fact that Felker and the rest of the band have been through a lot since their last album. There will be new elements and new stories to tell, and no matter what the final result is and what your feelings are about it, this is new Turnpike Troubadours music. We’ve been waiting for this and remember to be grateful and excited for it!
Listen to “Mean Old Sun” by Turnpike Troubadours below.
Cover Photo by Alive Coverage.