Young bands are always looking for some type of measuring stick. In order to attain one’s goals – lofty or not – a certain barometer must be set or a lowly career playing the bar scene will become the long-term result. Therefore, if Texas Hippie Coalition are seeking a band to measure themselves with in the Southern-fried, whiskey-soaked biker metal realm, they don’t have to try very hard to surpass the band most people currently look to: Hellyeah. And given ourapparent distaste for Vinnie Paul and crew, THC is clearly the better alternative. (Editor’s note: Hellyeah’s record company didn’t even bother to service Blistering with their new album. Smart move.)
Dubbing themselves “red dirt metal” because they’re from the Red River Valley (which is located between Northern Texas and Southern Oklahoma), Texas Hippie Coalition serve up 11 songs on Peacemaker of hook-laden, albeit played-out Southern metal. The lyrics of Big Dad Ritch don’t go beyond drinking, fighting…and drinking and fighting while inebriated, and perhaps a story or two about a good girl gone bad (Turn It Up”). Nevertheless, Big Dad Ritch busts out some worthy spews on “Damn You to Hell” and album highlight “Wicked,” that make one forget about the questionable lyrical topics presented.
Essentially right in the crosshairs of Brand New Sin and Pantera’s more boneheaded moments, Texas Hippie Coalition figures to have this market covered with Peacemaker. It’s awfully geographic-centric and might not appeal to those who enjoy the comforts of solitude or clean
living (like yours truly), but hey, a good barroom brawl needs a soundtrack, and THC provides just that.
(This content originally appeared on Blistering.com)