Sour Bridges w/ Sam Foster & the Obsolete

224 S Blount St,Raleigh NC 27601

02 August, 2022

Description

Sour Bridges w/ Sam Foster & the ObsoleteAges 21+ SOUR BRIDGES: Somewhere up on Cripple Creek, there’s an old log cabin where the gang used to gather to pass the bottle and trade tall tales. Sometimes, a back-porch pickin’ party would break out, and they’d spend hours strumming country-rock classics, drivin’ that train through the Band, the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and various Burrito Brothers, and even entering ex-Beatles territory on “Crippled Inside.” (Yes, dogs did howl along with their lusty harmonies on that one.) That’s the actual story of Austin band Sour Bridges’ birth. Well, maybe the cabin was really an apartment, and maybe it was closer to Lady Bird Lake (and maybe the dogs merely snored), but it did have a porch where friends gathered, bottles were passed and picking parties occurred. The songs also moved into original territory rather quickly, sprouting into a sound they call browngrass—“like bluegrass, but a little dirtier”—but it grows from that same country-rock soil. In fact, you can almost hear the history of American roots music in the strong harmonies and intricate arrangements of the band’s fourth album, Neon Headed Fool (May 24, 2019). Its 10 tracks, all but one written by lead singer and rhythm guitar/banjo/harmonica player Bill Pucci, capture the good-time vibe of a porch pickin’ party, while reflecting a deepening maturity in subject matter. It’s a natural evolution for a band that’s been together since 2010—though Sour Bridges actually has its genesis in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. That’s where Long Island-born Pucci and his brother, Matt (lead guitar, mandolin, vocals), were raised. Both are self-taught players, but their musical interests were encouraged by their grandfather, who bought them instruments and even built Bill’s four left-handed banjos. They made their way to Austin in 2007, immediately finding a community of like-minded talents. Their latest incarnation includes Will Vaughan on bass and vocals and Marc Randal Henry on drums and percussion. “He’s a little more of a rock drummer,” says Bill, “so there’s a little bit of a different vibe.” Sam Foster is a road dog. He lives and breathes the idea that repetition and regularity are the chisels to refine his craft. Hailing from Winston-Salem, Foster emerged on the North Carolina music scene in 2014. He’s brought his brand of tenacity to eager crowds all over the Southeastern United States ever since. Foster is a little bit country, a whole lotta rock and roll. While drawing much inspiration from legends of country music past and present, Foster’s sound can be more broadly described as rock. His roots run deep into the vein of American music, and he’s continually inspired by folk, soul, rock, and rhythm and blues. After releasing his debut solo album Rough Edges (The First Cuts) in 2015, followed by 2018’s Hardened Hearts, Foster formed Whiskey Foxtrot with singer-songwriter Seth Williams. The result was 2020’s Hard Lines & Headlights - the first and only studio offering from the outfit. In late 2021, after splitting with Whiskey Foxtrot, Foster formed a backing band and now tours as both a solo act as well as Sam Foster and The Obsolete. Foster is proud to announce the release of Heatwaves, his first record with The Obsolete. The record retains Foster’s roots in country and Americana but forges ahead into new territory for the leadman. On “Let Me Out,” “Loud & Clear,” and the eponymous “Heatwaves,” Foster’s lyrics evidence a clear, growing concern with our planet and all the people on it. He digs into local lore with “Memorial Day” and “Get It Tonight,” and reveals his own story with “Seven Alarm” (sobriety) and “Drama Queen” (social anxiety). Heatwaves displays Foster’s full range of musical styles, and is a testament of where Foster is today on his artistic journey. Either as a solo artist, or with Whiskey Foxtrot, Foster has shared the stage with national touring acts such as Seth Walker, Adam Hood, Trapper Schoepp, John Howie Jr. & the Rosewood Bluff, Sunny Sweeney, Caleb Caudle, and Justin Wells