It has been said that on a bad night Cowboy Mouth can do no less than then blow the roof off, and on a good night they’ll save your soul. That’s as true in 2020 as it was when they first burst out of New Orleans in 1990 and tickled the Top 40 with “Jenny Says”. The song helped propel the band onto the national club and festival scene- cementing Cowboy Mouth’s place as one of the most powerful, durable, and consistently entertaining rock and roll bands on the circuit. They’ve been in the saddle for thirty years and have played over 3,500 shows. Fred, John, Brian and Matt have not withered like saplings; they’re mighty oaks now. Fred doesn’t mince words. When asked about the secret to the band’s longevity and completely constant roadwork, “bullheaded tenacity and determination”, he says, “with a pretty healthy dose of faith in there.” Good things to have, not to mention also being able to stride onstage in front of a crowd and beat the tar out of them, 3,500 times.
Springtime will see new Cowboy Mouth music for your dining and dancing pleasure: an EP titled Open Wide is set for release March 27th. Five songs ranging from head-knocking rock and roll, funky riffage and a good old-time sad country song. With thousands of shows under their belt and at least a million to go, Open Wide will be in the vast catalogue that Cowboy Mouth plays every night like their lives depended on it.
Today Glide is excited to premiere “King of the World”, a song that Fred refers to as “a punk rock sermon.” Considering the fucked up state of affairs currently taking place across the globe, a sermon is what we need and Cowboy Mouth are here to preach in their signature, rocking style. Kicking off with hooky punk riffing and a pounding drum beat, the song is fast-paced and cathartic as Fred belts out the chorus. In a way, this is a throwback tune that balances punk rock attitude and intensity with infectious, bouncy rock. The band seems to be aiming to give us an emotional release with music that balances danceable grooves with wonderfully vicious guitar solos. Most importantly, “King of the World” finds Cowboy Mouth to be well-tuned, energetic, and tight as ever even after so many years.
Singer and drummer Fred LeBlanc shares his own thoughts on the song:
“A fan from the deep South told us a few years back that we were ‘just like a gospel tent revival, but without the religion!’ I have use that line many, many times because I feel like it’s one of the best compliments we’ve ever gotten. This song is kind of like that. Every once in a while everyone needs a little encouragement – even crazy songwriter drummers. This is a little note to myself to remind me that I’m doing what I believe I was put here for. I find that when I sometimes write a song that’s very personal to me, there are many folks who relate to my feelings and expressions as well. It’s one of the best parts of this job.”
LISTEN:
Cowboy Mouth releases Open Wide on March 27th. For more music and info visit cowboymouth.com.
Photo credit: Darren Fazio
