[rating=7.00]
This latest entry from the humbly titled Hard Working Americans finds them doing what they do best, procuring crowd appreciation in a live setting. We’re All In This Together marks the band’s second live offering to date — following The First Waltz in 2014 — and fourth overall, but once again it finds them taking a basic down to earth approach that belies an accomplished cast of musicians, one that features Todd Snider, Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), Neal Casal (Chris Robinson Brotherhood), Chad Staehly (Great Amerian Taxi), Jesse Aycock, and Duane Trucks (Widespread Panic).
Whether due to modesty or simply a desire to promote the band rather than the individuals involved, none of the contributors are listed anywhere on the inside or outside of the album sleeve. Regardless, blue collar ethos still prevails, especially when it comes to the choice of material. Naturally, Snider gets the bulk of the writing credits here, and his frayed, slightly inebriated, working man sensibilities that dominate the sound and the set list overall. Blustery rockers, deep grit, and a steadfast groove prevail, from the Bo Diddly beat of album opener “Mission Accomplished” to the frayed anguish of Snider’s “Ascending Into Madness,” the jam designs of the group cowrite “Burn Out Shoes” and finally, through to the signature stance and faithful replay of the late Chuck Berry’s signature staple “School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell).”
Ironically but appropriately, We’re All In This Together sets a high standard, particularly in the matter of delivery and intent. As the title suggests, these are hard times indeed, and it takes Hard Working Americans to make it through the malaise. Or at least provide some fun and distraction along the way.
