Across the country, the announcement of concert dates caused patient fans to snatch up tickets. No, the frenzy was not the usual clamoring, but rather the result of three years of anticipation. Out of a seeming hibernation, alt-country sensations the Old 97’s are returning to the stage to give fans a taste of old and new, likely hits.
Dispelling the belief that frontman Rhett Miller’s 2002 solo release The Instigator marked the band’s impending breakup, the Old 97’s are on tour promoting a yet-unnamed album. Due out this coming summer on New West Records, it will be cut in Woodstock, N.Y., and finished in San Diego. Noted for his “rockabilly” know-how and his recent work with Los Straitjackets, Mark Neills will be the fourtet’s technician and producer.
Since the release of Satellite Rides in 2001, the members of the Old 97’s have not been idle, occupied most notably by marriage and parenthood. In 2003, bassist and occasional yodeler Murry Hammond wed Grey DeLisle, who, conveniently, is one of the opening acts on the Old 97’s current tour. Self-proclaimed “serial lady-killer” Rhett Miller’s wife as of 2002, Erica, gave birth to their son Maxwell Iahn this past December.
Will this requited love prevent their new album from professing the longing so prevalent in the band’s five previous albums? Miller’s solo album has already hinted that being happily married to his W-I-F-E will not keep him from penning pining lyrics. Moaning, “Am I gonna be lonely for the rest of my life?” Miller does not seem ready to give up his trademark heartache.
The Old 97’s first album, Hitchhike to Rhome, was released in 1994 and marked the beginning of a collective career in twang and musings on imperfect love. With tracks such as “Doreen” and “Big Brown Eyes,” the release of Wreck Your Life in the following year garnered these four Texas natives a loyal following. Not ones to disappoint, Old 97’s have given fans plenty to listen to, with Too Far to Care (1997), Fight Songs (1999) and 2001’s Satellite Rides.
Comprised of Miller, Hammond, Ken Bethea (guitar) and Philip Peeples (drums), the Old 97’s croon, yodel and generally woo. Their consistent ability to craft simple, catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics and a sincere delivery has won over listeners and kept them loyal for years.
The solo endeavor of the sensitive and undeniably charming Rhett Miller pleased fans and appeased their need for another dose of the Old 97’s twang, but the band’s return to the road and studio is reason for excitement. With a new, acclaimed “rockabilly” producer, one suspects that their 2004 release will revisit the more obviously country influence prevalent on Old 97’s first three albums. At any rate, in the meantime, their performances are sure to entertain.
Old 97’s will be playing at 9:00 on Friday, Jan. 23 at the 9:30 Club (815 V St. N.W.).
