Raleigh NC’s The Backsliders were formed in 1992 by Steve Howell and Chip Robinson, rock ‘n’ roll dudes playing country-tinged tunes with just the right amount of Don’t Give A Damn attitude. The original line-up of Chip Robinson (lead vocal, guitar, electric 12-string guitar), Steve Howell (harmony vocal, lead guitar), Danny Kurtz (bass), Jeff “JD” Dennis (drums), came back together in 2012 with new bandmate Greg Rice (keyboards). With engineer John Plymale of Overdub Lane at the board, they wasted no time in recording the RALEIGHWOOD (EP), featuring their hardcore honky-tonk and unmistakable swagger. Steve Howell describes the writing of these songs: “Headlights” was written in the spirit of late ‘60s/early ‘70s California Country Rock with peyote and red wine as the chief inspirations. “You Can Be My Baby Now” is the haze of a long weekend listening to Big Star and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. “Nightfalls” was written after being haunted by a ghost that never told me her name. Danny and JD kicked it up into the southern soul stratosphere. “Forever and Ever” is the result of Neil Young and Crazy Horse running thick through my teenage veins. I can still taste it! “Twang”, well... nothing says attitude better than a twangy Gretsch guitar right between the eyes.” The attitude of the original lineup is still there, though they may not be the same band that burned up the road all those years before, they still have something to say, something to prove, and something to be. Proceeds from this release, and three others in this series support The Shalom Project (an organization that supports NC families in need). This is a regional release and though it’s available to all RSD-participating stores, it will primarily be available at stores in North Carolina. Side 1: “Headlights”, “You Can Be My Baby”Side 2: “Night Falls”, “Forever And Ever”, “Twang”
