Everette, composed of Kentucky natives Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia, is a country music duo celebrated for their heartfelt storytelling, dynamic sound, and magnetic stage presence. The pair, whose name pays homage to George Clooney's character in the film ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?' have been making waves in the country music scene with their blend of traditional influences and contemporary flair.
Brent and Anthony's musical journey began in their home state of Kentucky, where they bonded over a shared love for classic country, rock, and bluegrass. Their tight harmonies, expert musicianship, and knack for crafting relatable, emotionally resonant songs quickly garnered attention, leading them to Nashville to pursue their dreams. Their debut EP ‘Slow Roll,' released under Broken Bow Records, showcased their unique sound and storytelling prowess, earning them critical acclaim and a growing fanbase whilst their most recent release, ‘Kings of the Diary Queen Parking Lot' was nothing short of a southern sensation.
In addition to their recording success, Everette is known for their electrifying live performances. They have toured extensively, sharing stages with country greats and bringing their energetic shows to audiences nationwide. Newly independent, Brent and Anthony have dug deep into their southern heritage on this new, mostly acoustic EP and, without losing their knack for humorous lyrics or backyard parties, have produced two of their most serious songs ever, showing the world a slightly different side to their songwriting skills.
The opening track ‘High and Lonesome' immediately grabs the listener with its infectious acoustic Appalachian energy. Co-written with Aaron Raitiere, the song combines drums, handclaps, and harmonies to create a lively bluegrass romp. Despite its upbeat sound, the lyrics tell a melancholic story of a man longing to return to the woman he loves, reminiscent of the ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?' soundtrack. The time changes and spirited instrumentation make this track a standout, capturing the essence of Everette's sound.
Title track, ‘Keys to Kentucky,' meanwhile, is a restrained, mature ballad that beautifully paints imagery of contentment and happiness. With smooth southern tones and evocative lyrics, this song reflects Everette's next phase in their career. It speaks to the simplicity of life's most meaningful moments, showcasing their growth as songwriters and musicians. The choice of this track as the title underscores its significance in representing the duo's sound and message.
‘Picnic Table' offers a fun, laid-back vibe that is sure to be a hit during live performances. The line, “Ain’t trying to change the world, just leave it lighter than we found it,” stands out as a highlight, capturing the song's carefree spirit. The track features great time changes, adding an element of surprise and keeping the listener engaged. It's a song that embodies Everette's ability to create music that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking.
The EP takes a serious turn in its second half with ‘No Vacancy' and ‘Another Man Down,' addressing issues of urban sprawl, gentrification, and addiction. ‘No Vacancy' delivers a powerful message about the consequences of unchecked development, with the line “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should” resonating deeply. ‘Another Man Down,' meanwhile tackles addiction in a way that relates directly to lead singer Brent's personal life and huge swathes of the southern USA, be it through opioids or alcohol. Tonally, the song draws comparisons to the style and cadence of Eric Church's storytelling with its spoken word delivery of the verses. This adds a raw, impactful layer to the song, highlighting the devastating effects of addiction on individuals and their loved ones.
‘Trippin’ splits the two serious songs with a swampy, southern rock sound reminiscent of The Cadillac Three. The track's swagger and energy are palpable, with hints of Aerosmith's influence in the guitar riffs and a Steve Tyler-esque scream mid-section. The prospect of a fully electric version of this song is also exciting, promising even more intensity and a rock ‘n' roll attitude however, even as it is in acoustic form, it will take you on a mazy, trippy journey through the heartlands of the south.
With the longest song clocking in at just 3 minutes and 17 seconds ‘Keys to Kentucky' delivers short, sharp, and punkish tracks that leave a lasting impression. This EP is a powerful statement from Everette, showcasing their versatility, maturity, and deep connection to their musical roots. Whether you're drawn to the high-energy bluegrass of ‘High and Lonesome,' the introspective balladry of ‘Keys to Kentucky,' or the social commentary and raw power of ‘Another Man Down' this collection of songs offers something for every listener.
Tracklist: 1. High and Lonesome 2. Keys to Kentucky 3. Picnic Table 4. No Vacancy 5. Trippin 6. Another Man Down Release Date: July 12th Record Label: Independent Buy ‘Keys to Kentucky' here
