Connor Christian & Southern Gothic
90 Proof Lullabies
(Vintage Earth Records)

I expected strains of contemporary southern rockers Drive-By Truckers or perhaps the backroads philosophy of Steve Earle from90 Proof Lullabies. What I got was an articulate, diverse, witty songwriter with a backing band well versed in everything from classic country to beer-soaked, barroom blues.

Christian is heavily influenced by Elton John (among others) and it comes through on lead track “Sunday Suit,” a frisky, piano rave-up in the classic ’70s John tradition, demonstrating Christian’s varied musical abilities. “Midnight Moon,” a standout for sure, is an urgent, melodic, outlaw rocker featuring Christian’s band, Southern Gothic, steamrolling like a machine. Laced with haunting steel-guitar lines, and played live, it’s got crowd pleaser written all over it. A deeper listen to the CD reveals “Waiting For Princess,” a passionate, adult contemporary-sounding slice of pop that would fit nicely on a Matchbox Twenty release.

There are plenty of entertaining moments on the disc. “Evangeline,” a tongue-in-cheek, rowdy, countrified rocker segues into the emotional, vocal harmony-laden, southern-sounding gem “Let Ya Slide.” An unexpected surprise pops up in a rollicking cover of Brewer and Shipley’s “One Toke Over The Line.” The funky grooves of “3 Times” further underscore Christian’s musical diversity and shows that Southern Gothic can really kick it up a notch.

With 90 Proof Lullabies, Christian emerges as a thoughtful rebel. Due to his eclectic songwriting and the band’s fresh take on Dixie-inspired roots music, the disc is an edgy, colorful take on the best that southern-inspired music has to offer.

—Mark Uricheck