It’s 2017 and one of the hardest rocking bands with one of the most potent political mindsets happens to come from the state of Alabama. No, I’m not talking about the Drive-By Truckers, although there is an argument to be made there. I’m talking about none other than Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires. For a handful of years now this band has been cranking up the volume louder than hell and belting out lyrics that speak directly to social issues, specifically the localized struggles for justice and the plight of the American South. At the center of this whirling storm of charged up rock and roll madness is none other than Lee Bains. Though he is based in Atlanta these days, Bains writes lyrics that seem to be directly connected with his home turf of Birmingham, Alabama, although it’s probably fair to say the issues he touches on affect all of us as Americans and human beings.
On June 30th Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires will release their first new album in over three years, and a double one at that, with the long-titled Youth Detention (Nail My Feet Down To The South Side Of Town) (Don Giovanni Records). In typical fashion for this band of rabble rousing Southern rockers, the album is a blistering collection of songs touching on the most fiery issues affecting us all today. But whereas other groups seem to write about things affecting America as a whole, Lee Bains takes the approach of using his own community as the example of what is happening everywhere else. It may not be fair to call Bains a political songwriter, but it’s impossible to deny the political and social potency of his lyrics. Of course, all of them are sang loud and raw throughout the new album.
Today Glide Magazine is excited to premiere the main track from the new Lee Bains album. While there are many interpretations to be had about the name of the song/album title, the message is loud and clear. This is a defiant song about standing up for where you came from and defending all of those in your community. Culture and community are vital in Lee Bains’ world, and we should all take a lesson from that. It’s also about fighting against those that seek to exploit your community and benefit on behalf of the rich. In true Lee Bains fashion this message is expressed through an explosive storm of truly face-melting rock and roll. As always, Lee Bains III & the Glory Fires take no prisoners and give zero fucks if you aren’t ready to join them in the revolution, because they will just keep on trucking.
LISTEN:
Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires will release Youth Detention (Nail My Feet Down To The Southside Of Town) on Don Giovanni Records June 30th. For more music and info visit thegloryfires.com.
