Album review: Eleven Hundred Springs, This Crazy Life

by Brenna Rushing

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This new album shows what the group has been up to for the past two years.

Eleven Hundred Springs is a classic country group with deep Texas roots and the look to prove it. They have a traditional appeal that can satisfy your parents or your teenager. Their newest work, This Crazy Life, tells stories in a clear and precise way that allows you to delve into others' lives while enjoying the pedal steel guitar.

A the beginning of the album, songs like "Great American Trail" and "This Crazy Life" get your feet moving and speedily introduce you to what the band is about. EHS has a classic twang in every song, putting an identifiable fingerprint on all of their work. Matt Hillyer does a great job as front man. He aligns his moods with the verses, proving his compatibility with the music. His deep southern voice puts the band right where they need to be.

One of my favorites, "Mellow Mood," sets you right in the middle of a summer day in the living room with the window open and the sunlight pouring in. There might even be a glass of lemonade involved. The constant strum of the guitar almost gives a tropical feel, identifying with the olden times.

The album flows naturally, clearly showing the group's versatility. The only thing that threw it off was the last track, "Straight to Bed." It is so upbeat and cheery, that it could fit nicely in the middle of the album. This song shouldn't be missed, which is the fear I have since it's placed at the end of the album.

You can hear the bands' history throughout the entire CD. This is not their first go around. The beats coincide nicely with the speed of the guitar and the vocals. The pedal steel guitar contributes thoroughly adding that Southern appeal.

"Show Me the Money" is EHS' first single off of the album. It could easily be played on the radio. It's the classic story of the woman feeling unappreciated financially, but the man is doing all he can. Many listeners will likely identify with this song and enjoy dancing to it with friends.

The album cover creates a question or two. My impression is that Eleven Hundred Springs is a hard rock band with a country edge, due to the tatted up arm holding a yellowed label beer. But this is not what they're going for. The idea is understood, but not compatible here. It could attract the wrong people or send the right ones the other way.

This Crazy Life was recorded in Fort Worth in the heat of the summer. If the hot Texas sun is what's needed to produce tracks such as these, then summer sessions it is!

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