Released to coincide with their forthcoming UK tour, Oklahoma’s Hillbilly Vegas continue where they left off earlier in the year with six solid songs spread over 20 minutes – enough to certainly whet the appetite for their shows.
Hillbilly Vegas – Long Way Back EP
Release Date: Out Now
Words: Paul Hutchings
Here at MetalTalk, we have already covered the band in some detail, with a review of their shows at London’s Troubadour and their support slot with Luke Morley earlier this year. So, it seemed an appropriate time ahead of the fresh run of dates to dip into this EP and remind us just why Hillbilly Vegas continues to be the soundtrack to the summer. 
It’s infectious, groove-ridden rock with that definitive Country twang that so many bands have captured perfectly over the years. The current behemoths are surely Blackberry Smoke, but there ars a million others all vying for a place at the top table.
It’s having a slightly different style and sound that allows others to make their mark. Hillbilly Vegas bring their own version, melding all the classic harmonies that one would expect into a melting pot that is both familiar and yet fresh from the start.
The title track begins the EP, and it is immediately a catchy opener. A huge hook snags you on the chorus, the riffs are captivating, and you can’t help but sing along within minutes. The blend of electric and acoustic guitar, combined with thick keys that add flavour, all swirl around Steve Harris’ smoky vocals.
They continue this on the vibrant Down The Honkytonk, which has its roots firmly in the ’70s sounds of The Allman Brothers, Skynyrd and many others. Hell, there’s even a bit of Black Oak Arkansas lurking in the mix.
What’s compelling about Long Way Back is the infectious tempo. Not one of my favourites here, I’ll admit, but even the very Country-edged Helluva Night has something that catches the ear and gets you rocking along. Slightly lighter-paced, it’s certainly a little more traditional in delivery.
Oklahoma 3.2 steps up the pace again, with an urgency to the storytelling that catches the ear and focus. This is a song that’s guaranteed to get the audience dancing at their shows, with some neat guitar work underpinned by the solid and dependable rhythmic engine of Donnie Griggs and Troy Hollinger. It’s a song designed to bring a smile to the face.
Despite the disappointment that Hey Y’All isn’t a cover of the Black Oak Arkansas classic, there is little to really irritate on the penultimate track as it pops along with a vibrancy that throws a myriad of influences into the mix.
It is followed by the Radio Edit of Down The Honkytonk, which, as it’s my favourite on this release, is no hardship. Those keys are particularly delicious.
So, there we have it. It is well worth a listen and, by all accounts, well worth a watch, too. With a run of dates on offer, my advice would be to give this a listen and then head to the nearest show to see what Hillbilly Vegas can bring. My expectation is quite a lot.
