The Dead South are a group of fun, modern hillbillies from Regina, and they’ll be bringing their rockin’ stompin’ bluegrass music to Tractorgrease Cafe on Dec. 4, promoting their album Illusion & Doubt.
While the band’s blend of bluegrass and classic folk may sound familiar, to a point, The Dead South present a truly fresh take on a classic sound; with an approach fuelled as much by their timeless influences as by the energy and ethic you’d associate with a punk band.
“A lot of our inspiration comes from an old school feel, but our sound is an amalgamation of what we all like, and the punk influence is definitely there,” says vocalist/guitarist Nate Hilts, adding that banjo player, Colton Crawford, “is a huge metal head,” which is something that comes across in his riffs and writing.
The band music relies heavily on songs about lovin’, cheatin’, killin’ and drinkin’.
“But it’s a more mature take on lovin’, cheatin’, killin’ and drinkin,’” Hilts says, laughing. “We’ve been experimenting with different instruments and, lyrically, we’re growing along with that.”
The Regina-based band has been described as outlaws, modern hillbillies, and, perhaps most tellingly, as Mumford and Sons evil twins. But the best way to describe The Dead South is, simply, fearless. Without a doubt they are one of those rare bands who are equally compelling on record as they are on stage.
Few bands engage audiences the way The Dead South do, and set themselves apart, musically and in terms of personality and image. This band nails it all hands down, from their recordings through their rip it up live shows to their distinctive hillbilly-cum-pioneer dress code.
The Dead South performs Sunday, Dec. 4 at Tractorgrease Cafe (48710 Chilliwack Lake Rd.). Call 604-858-3814 or email tractorgrease@gmail.com for ticket info.