We’ve heard of certain rockers with a surprising Americana/Country appetite hidden beneath their riff-laden main gigs. Take Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters or former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted who have recently shined up their inner Waylon.
Well, songwriter Trever Keith, frontman of So Cal punk rockers face to face has proven he can put well-worn vocals into a song with ear-opening conviction. While rocking with relentless gusto over the course of blitzkrieg three-minute songs for 30 years, Keith certainly has earned the opportunity to “slow” it down. Keith who now lives in Nashville, is now trying on acoustic Americana-versed tunes mixing punk’s no-nonsense delivery atop a punctuating voice.
Glide is premiering Keith’s earnest cover of “What Keeps Me Up Now” (below). The original song, written by Benjamin Tod and released by Lost Dog Street Band on their album Glory in 2022, is a genuine examination of self-doubt and vulnerability that Keith identified with upon the first listen.
“When I first heard the song, I was immediately drawn in by the lyrics,” Keith said. “They are self-critical and introspective, much the same way I write my own. I love how the tone of the song is both haunting and yearning at the same time.
Currently, Keith is putting the finishing touches on the songwriting for his first solo Americana record which he plans to begin recording later this year while performing more shows throughout the US and Canada. In the meantime, let’s relish this punk-turned-troubadours take on an underrated modern gem…
