We’ve been a fan of Texas Hippie Coalition ever since “Pissed Off and Mad About It” crossed our radar back in 2010. Then Peacemaker dropped in 2012, a record that is STILL in regular rotation ’round here, and we were hooked. Like the mantra of the state they call home, everything is bigger in Texas and when it comes to Texas Hippie Coalition and their latest release, Gunsmoke, it don’t get much bigger than this!
“Deadman” has all that signature THC swag with Big Dad Ritch preaching as if the mic stand was a pulpit as huge riffs from Nevada Romo and Cord Pool ring out and huger (not a word) choruses signal that Gunsmoke has indeed begun! “Baptized in the Mud” is a riff rollin’ laid back ruckus with the rhythm section of Rado Romo and Joey Mandigo on drums getting the grooves goin’ followed by the pure THC sounds of “Bones Jones” which just embodies the Texas Hippie Coalition sound by consistently laying out mega riffs, mega verses, and massive choruses.
“She’s Like a Song” displays THC’s penchant for crafting mighty fine Rawk ballads that are a little bit Country and a little bit Western but still all Heavy at its’ core while “Droppin’ Bombs” gets back to the nitty gritty with some classic THC verses and some Romo/Pool shreds that bring to mind both Mick Mars and Zakk Wylde. The title track makes the argument for THC being the AC/DC of Texas Metal meaning they do what they do and do it really well, “Eat Crow” eases up on the throttle but doesn’t really loosen the grip at all with a Blues-soaked anthem, and “Million Man Army” would fit seamlessly on any previous THC release with Big Dad Ritch and the crushing vocals alongside some crushing riffs for this timeless Texas Hippie Coalition crusher.
Speaking of those riffs, “Test Positive” has LOTS of those and soloing to boot with Ritch doing some funky vocal runs before the cooldown lap hits in the form of “I’m Gettin High” and an acoustic album closing number that’s like the last hang around the campfire at the end of the night with one final blast of adrenaline as the embers fade out.
Gunsmoke arrives on October 4th through MNRK Heavy with pre-orders available now when you head here or here. For more from Texas Hippie Coalition, like where you can catch them live on their upcoming tour that hits The Big House in Laconia on October 12th, follow the trail of socials by clicking here, here, or here.