Whiskey Falls

iTunes Review

Dip into just about any track on Whiskey Falls’ self-titled debut and you’ll be transported back 30-plus years to the glory days of Southern California country-rock. Sure, the release date on this album says 2007 – but the quartet’s ultra-tight harmonies and aggressive twang-and-burn guitar attack have “Eagles - 1976” stamped all over them. And that’s not a bad thing. Pairing a couple of veteran Southern rockers with an L.A. songwriting duo, Whiskey Falls dive into American mythology with a feel for hard-charging rhythms and an eye for lyric detail. “The Night Ain’t Over Yet,” “Falling Into You” and “Days Of Birmingham” have a restless rebel air about them, balanced by the longing of “Last Train Running” and “Keep The Light On.” The band makes a point of celebrating local heroes, including sandlot sluggers (“Load Up The Bases”), country star wannabes (“The Champ”) and wrench-wielding blue-collar types (“Working Man”). Mellower tunes like “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “Highway 59” display a smooth melodic touch and understated soulfulness reminiscent of Glenn Frey and Don Henley’s classic ballads. Whiskey Falls’ music may have a familiar flavor, but it goes down easy and carries a bracing kick all the same.