“Thunderdog” by The O’s

July 23. 2013 | By Jamie Lynn

OsThunderdog_Cover_600

The O’s
Thunderdog
[Punch Five Records]

Thunderdog is the third album from Texas duo John Pedigo and Taylor Young – but the first on their own record label, Punch Five. In the midst of a Mumford & Sons fueled anything with a banjo goes mainstream machine, it would be easy to label them ambitious copycats. However, between the two, they’ve been in multiple bands (Polyphonic Spree, Young Heart Attack, and Slick 57 for starters) and have been working their no-bluegrass-musical-instrument-left-behind magic since 2008. Pedigo muses on the album’s title, “Thunderdogging is a blazing of our own trail…there aren’t any rules. We’re just thunderdogging our way through it all.”

The first single “Outlaw” showcases the clanging banjo and thoughtful lyrics. “Cicerone” blasts out with harmonica and a kick drum full of attitude. “Kitty” closes out the album, sad tale of drug addiction complete with Pedigo’s blistering banjo solo ran through a fuzz pedal. Producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith encouraged The O’s to record at the famed Sonic Ranch just outside El Paso, Texas; the guys could record, stay, and eat all on site, becoming addicted to the Sonic Ranch Red sauce in the process. We’re here to tell you the combination worked, as this is an album that recalls classic bluegrass while looking toward an exciting, uncharted future-complete with more Sonic Ranch Red Sauce.

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