Speedbuggy USA – South of Bakersfield

Speedbuggy USA describe themselves as ‘Country Punk’, a moniker that is more often than not country-rock (the term cow-punk is mentioned somewhere too) rather than The Sex Pistols crossed with Kenny Rogers (what a band that would be!). The semantics and idiosyncrasies of genre descriptors aside, ‘South of Bakersfield’ is Speedbuggy USA’s first album since 2009. This links to unfortunate health circumstances surrounding lead singer Timbo. It is a story worthy of the X-Factor and, with this in mind, I think it better to focus on the music. The band sound is mainly electric country and the band is driven by a powerful rhythm section throughout. The songs represent a southern US, working man’s life. This authenticity is one of the album’s appeals; it is not trying to do anything particularly innovative or experimental, but what it does do is paint a picture of an older USA, complete with rusted cars, wagons and ramblers. The sound is tight and the band’s experience and long history together is evident at every turn. Stand out tracks include opener ‘Still Movin’ On’ with its infectious blues riff, and the bands touching homage to the home of their sound, ‘Bakersfield’.