Black Dirt Blue Sky
Black Dirt, 2021
10/10
I, rather foolishly, didn’t invest anytime in exploring Backyard Tire Fire during their most active years, from 2000-2010. With that said, it’s good news for me that they’re back, and this 5 song EP has frontman Edward David Anderson guiding the band through some fantastic rootsy, Americana and rock’n’roll gems.
“Carefree Kids” starts the listen with a warm, rootsy delivery, where acoustic guitar and smooth vocals are complemented by pedal steel from Patrick Lyons amid the playful crunch, and “Little Wren” follows with a highly melodic display of timeless rock’n’roll wrapped up in Backyard Tire Fire’s inimitable brand of Americana.
“Alejandro Escovedo” occupies the middle spot and benefits from a more firm approach of rugged yet tuneful ideas, while “Truck Stop Shower” welcomes Garrison Star on vocals and Jeff ‘Muttonhead’ Erickson handling pedal steel as a rural beauty shines alongside Phil Roach’s fiddle and the sublime vocal harmonies.
“House Of Cards”, the final track, might be the best, though they’re all great, as the band charge into a buzzing alt-country rocker that parallels the greatness of legends like Son Volt, Golden Smog or Old 97’s, as they flawlessly balance grit with melody.
An energetic return that’s not without its cautious moments, too, Backyard Tire Fire possess all the things we love about Tweedy, Petty, Earle and Farrar. If you’re like me and late to the party, don’t waste another second not calling these midwest legends one of your favorite bands, cause they should be.
Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul