With classic-feeling, Stonesy guitar tones and a Lou Reed-esque laconic, languid drawl, Nashville-based songwriter Sheffer Stephens is in very good company on his new single “Wild Country”.
Also serving as the opening track to his new EP, as the song finds its feet and develops, we meet additional components. There’s some Velvet Underground-indebted percussion and some Television style guitar sounds peppered throughout the track. It’s sparse, effective, and frankly super cool. It also reminds us a bit of more modern acts like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Brian Jonestown Massacre (who are, of course, also notably inspired by the sound of the same legendary legacy acts).
The bass builds the foundation of the track: A constant presence that throbs away, acting like a lynchpin in the thick of a rock n’ roll shindig. The guitars dance around it and the back beat works in perfect harmony.
We’d wager Stephens is pretty proud of “Wild Country”. And as well he should be: It’s a laid-back, easy-going tune with a suave, bohemian undertone, making it a roaring success.
His debut album – produced by longtime collaborator Kieran Kelly (The Buddy Project) – is due to be released this autumn. Take a listen to “Wild Country” below.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
