That Nashville SoundBITES- Flynnville Train- Redemption

That Nashville Sound receives many different CD releases throughout the year from indie, bluegrass and artists just off the mainstream radar- or smaller projects like EPs- that we’re doing short mini CD reviews on. We call them That Nashville Soundbites- it’s a feature that will allow us to give some props to some albums and artists that deserve a spotlight on their work.

Release Date: June 2010
Music Label: Next Evolution Records
The Skinny: This Indiana-bred country-rock band is a real throwback to the southern rock of the 1970s- think a looser more honkytonk version of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The blue collar everyman lyrics blend together with the exception of two key tracks. They take you inside the legendary Tootsie's Orchid Lounge in "33 Steps" (the title cleverly measuring the walk from the Grand Ol' Opry). For anyone who has set foot in the history club, it’s a terrific painting the lyrics paint and a tribute to an iconic place in Nashville lore. The album also closes with a strong cover of America's "Sandman." Originally released in 1971, Flynnville Train has repackaged the song to address the current military involvement of the country. Musically, the boys let their hair down with terrific guitar work on a song that is deeper in meaning than the rest of the album. Like their first album, FT has terrific promise. More lyrical bite and less bark would serve them well.
Sounds Like: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Standout Tracks: 33 Steps, Sandman
The Verdict: Two and a half stars out of five