Formerly known as Ribbonpigeon, Murfreesboro, Tennessee’s The Only Sons have a new album called Steel Hearts that is full of boot-stompin’ roots/alt-country/Americana just like its predecessor, Young Lungs, was. So despite the name change, the band hasn’t switched directions on us, which is a good thing. There are two rippin’ electric guitars, the cry of a lap steel, and twangy fiddles to complement the raspy vocals. Really, it all adds up to a band that fits somewhere in between The Weight and Lucero, and if that doesn’t get your attention, I’m not sure what exactly will. Steel Hearts isn’t complicated, but it does make me want to head down to my brother’s new place in Hillsboro for some whiskey, rock-n-roll, and good times. Almost as great as the album itself is the fact that the band has made it available as a free download on their website. Seriously, this could be the album of the summer and is easily among my favorite of this year so far.

MP3 | The Only Sons – Lay Back Down Steel Hearts
MP3 | The Only Sons – Hadn’t Been That Long Steel Hearts