Drivin' N Cryin' - Songs from the Laundromat (Self-Released)

Southern college rockers Drivin’ N Cryin’ have been doing their thing for nearly thirty years, quietly rocking and making music that their faithful followers have enjoyed. This five-song EP is their first new material in three years—and only the second record of new material in a decade—and it’s a strong return to form; Kevn Kinney is in fine, fine voice, and the band’s sound is nothing short of powerful. “Dirty” kicks off the affair and it’s as strong and blustery a track as anything they’ve done. Another highlight is their dedication to their Athens friends, “REM.” It’s nice to hear a tribute to such a great, influential band, especially a tribute that recalls their shared past. “Clean Up” is straight up country, and with a little polish could pass for a modern radio hit. Admittedly, I haven’t given much thought to these guys in years, but Songs from the Laundromat reminds the listener of their talent, and it certainly says something about a band who can make records for three decades, yet still sound contemporary. This is the first of four planned EP releases over the next year, and if this EP’s strengths are any sign of things to come, those EP’s will be worth the wait.