All tagged Sarah Shook and the Disarmers
Last year with the release of Mightmare’s debut record, I began my exploration of River Shook’s catalog and body of work, which meant a deep dive into the Disarmers catalog. What became immediately obvious to me is that River has always had a substantial power for writing songs with impact. The standout update for me was seeing the maturity in the musicianship and vocal approach to really drive those songs to places that most artists spend late nights agonizing over the details they're hoping to reach. It was simple but without losing any weight or power, it was sharpened and edited down to just hard hitting lyrics coupled with hummable melodies, and it was just what “rock” records should be. The last record River and company produced under the Disarmers moniker was also just an absolute powerhouse. This made me almost hesitant to review Revelations as I was afraid that it wouldn’t hit as hard without the novelty. Well, kind readers, it absolutely still hits like a southern accent tinged indie rock Mack truck head on collision. I shouldn’t be surprised, but somehow, I still am.
Sarah Shook is a name that I’ve heard a few times surrounding the scene of music that I find myself tangled in, and somehow I’ve never taken the time to listen to the work that they did with their band Sarah Shook and the Disarmers. The second I hit play on the first song off of Mightmare’s Cruel Liars, I was immediately embarrassed for not being more familiar, but extremely grateful that this one did not miss me, and excited that I have a back catalog to dig through.
I listen to a lot of music from a lot of genres, and usually I find a takeaway or some piece of enjoyment in almost anything that I take the time to listen to. Rarely does a piece of music just hit me in the gut and drag me on a ride whether I’m ready or not. Cruel Liars is exactly that kind of record. There is a skill that I find to be one of the most intriguing and difficult to master: Saying a lot without using a lot of words, and Sarah Shook has that skill with room to spare.
The Amp is honored to highlight the second annual OUTLaw Pride Fest, Texas’ first queer country festival. Headliner and longtime industry favorite Sarah Shook & the Disarmers will take the stage September 24 at Rustic Tap in Austin, TX. LGBTQ+ supporting artists include Joy Clark, Julie Nolen, Paisley Fields, Andrew Sa, the Secret Emchy Society, Mya Byrne, Mercy Bell, Lilly Milford, Mary-Charlotte Young, and Stephanie Cash.
Sarah Shook’s voice demands your attention. The first time I heard “Nothin’ Feels Right But Doin’ Wrong,” (from the debut Sidelong record in 2017) it turned my head around. The combination of raw energy and punk attitude, coupled with the Disarmers’ lean approach to drum-forward, guitar-heavy country had me hooked. Now they’re back with their third album and it is going to be a game-changer.
Producer Pete Anderson is best known for his work with launching Dwight Yoakam’s career using a fresh sound of twangy guitars and a rock n’ roll approach. That same sensibility serves this Nightroamer album (released 2/18/22 on Thirty Tigers) quite well. The sound of the new record softens some of the rougher edges of both the band and Shook’s vocals while maintaining the same energy and attitude of the previous releases. The Disarmers’ core lineup stays the same with Eric Peterson on guitar, Aaron Oliva on upright bass, and drummer Jack Foster, but now adds pedal steel ace Adam “Ditch” Kurtz and the results are fantastic. The ten songs are all written by Shook and continues their tradition of solid lyrics with a message that encourages you to see another side without beating you over the head. The band keeps things interesting with appropriate accompaniment; they rock when needed and can serve up some serious country as well, with the tracks being divided equally.
