Read Southall can sure turn a phrase. “This record is the gasoline for the love machine,” he says of his band’s new album, the exhilarating and self-titled Southall. The proud Oklahoma workingman isn’t exaggerating. The record sparks and burns with 11 crank-it-up songs that expertly combine country, rock roll, and the dust and grit of the band’s native Red Dirt scene. But there are also glimpses of hard rock and metal, along with easygoing back-porch vibes, the result of a drastic change in the way the group formerly known as the Read Southall Band now makes music: Every member of Southall brings lyrics, melodies, and even full songs to the table. “It’s the colors of different people with different influences making music,” Southall says. “I’ve always been confident in the talents and abilities of the guys onstage with me, and I want our fans to see and hear that too. That’s why we changed our name to Southall.”
For Southall the band, that work began a long time ago — and it’s about to pay off in a big way. “All the music Southall has put out since they started has been very impressive and proficient” – Raised Rowdy “This psychedelic slice of grunge-inflected, swampy rock highlights the groups versatility” – Billboard “One of Oklahoma’s best red dirt rock and roll acts” – Whiskey Riff “Country rockers Southall stir up some good ole music rebellion” – People “With a pleasant, Tom Petty-esque vocal melody and driving beat, the track {“Scared Money”] unrolls like a fortune cookie” – American Songwriter the Craft of Music
