One of the strongest up-and-coming country rock bands is Cody Parks and The Dirty South. They just released their second EP, Country Metal, Vol 1, on Nov. 1.
The latest EP from the Nashville group gets off to a rocking start with their August single, Water In The Well, which has a subtle first few seconds before the roar of a guitar and thrashing drums takes over. That rocking vibe continues throughout the 4:53 song. And Cody Parks’s vocals match the energy extremely well.
For someone who loves metal music and has been adapting to country music, this is a perfect song to get in the mood for both. The heaviness of the instruments matches the country lyrics, which talk about police searches and finding more than water in a well.
It is not just the opening song that keeps rocking on. The second track on Country Metal, Vol 1, is just as rocking. Country Alive is probably my favorite track on this EP. That is because the lyrics really paint a picture and tell a story of country living. The lyrics “Like a bat outta Hell, like a thief on the run…Like a dog on the hunt, like a shot from a gun goin’ bang! bang!” are awesome.
The vibe does change halfway through with Burned Out. Unlike the first two tracks, this gets off to a far more country vibe with an acoustic guitar being all that plays while Parks sings. It is not until the first chorus hits, a minute in, that the metal side of Cody Parks and The Dirty South comes into play.
I notice hints of other rock bands from the past throughout. One example of that is at the start of Heat which makes me think of Motley Crue’s Shout at the Devil with the lyrics sounding like they’re being yelled from the crowd.
It does not slow down on the final track, Trouble With Trouble. The shredding guitar, strong bassline, and roaring drums wrap up Country Metal, Vol 1 perfectly.
This EP continues the rise for the band following their debut EP, Smothered & Covered. I love the opening song on that, Grundy County Cowboys. Since this latest one had Vol 1, I would expect a second act of Country Metal to come soon.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to board the Cody Parks and The Dirty South train because I do not see it slowing down anytime soon.