Rikks

Making Their mark "Back Home" - The Ranchhands are a band to watch

What exactly does the term "New Country" stand for? Many groups are labeling themselves "New Country" in today's music world, and they don't all have the same style really, now do they, maybe it's just a generational thing where there is a new breed of Country Music exploding all over the airwaves. To me, I think new country is music that expands on the tradition of classic country, talking some props from many decades of greats and making it sound modernized, fresh. This may not be your definition, but I do believe there is a difference from crossover or pop-country to new country. If my theory holds water, then The Ranchhands have definitely come to show the world that they are ready to take the moniker and wear it with pride.

The new disc for the Ranchhands, "Back Home" is one hell of an effort with solid country tracks. A few of the tracks here seem almost formatted, without any distinguishable sounds to really set The Ranchhands apart from others. I do have to say though, when The Ranchhands shine, they shine
The disc opens with "Country My Way" that is a good patriotic number, taking the term Country in the homeland sense rather than the musical term, reminiscent of Alabama's "Down Home". The Ranchhands move forward, and some of their best tracks are still to come. Actually, what you might say, is the disc seems to get better all along the way. Blending ballads and up-tempo tracks to make an even flow from beginning to end.
Tracks like the ballad "Best Friend" take the CD to the next level. Real promise from the band with the track and others like "She Said", "Anything She Wants" and "Honky Tonk Place To Be" are instantly memorable, there really are no bad tracks here, some I can just say are good, and some are truly inspired and there are a couple that are in between.

My thoughts on The Ranchhands "Back Home", simple, watch this band, they may just have their name on the marquee at any moment.