PREVIEW
Dirt Road Angels
June 1 and 2 at 9 p.m.
Century Casino St. Albert
24 Boudreau Rd.
No cover charge
The estrogen-fuelled Dirt Road Angels have covered a lot of musical ground since performing at St. Albert’s Century Casino nearly a year ago.
But this foxy, all-female country rock band has come into its own after the release of its third album, the harmony-rich Extra Dirty, in March 2018.
“The difference between this one and our last one, Paint the Town Red (2014), is that in that one, one person took the lead. In this CD, we’ve broken it down and everyone has a part in a song,” said Dahlia Wakefied.
Rounding out the Angels' lush four-part harmonies are seasoned singers Shila Marie, Danita Lynn and Karen Claypool.
Traditionally, women singer-songwriters have a tougher time breaking country ground. But this album of fun, light-hearted tunes with a vulnerable side proves these gals can hang with the big dogs.
The eight-track is a blend of refreshed traditional country and rock elements such as Johnny Cash’s iconic Folsom Prison Blues and the Steve Young hit Seven Bridges Road popularized by the Eagles.
In fact, Seven Bridge Road has morphed into the band’s anthem.
“It resonates with people. People always request it. It’s the harmonies. Rob Hewes (producer) made a brand new catchy arrangement for us. It has an upbeat flair. It’s way more modernized and very fresh,” Wakefield said.
From the first note, the album takes you through so many emotions. There’s the Angels current single, Not Ever, a co-write between Lynn and Darren Gusnowsky.
“It's different. It’s a really edgy country tune about knowing who you don’t want in a relationship. It’s a strong woman's song.”
At the opposite end of the relationship scale is Go All In, a fun-loving, high-energy, take-charge song about life and love.
Wakefield describes the title track, Extra Dirty, as “a good old country tune. It’s very swampy. It has an interesting sound.”
And in Little One, Wakefield tugs at the heartstrings sharing the joys of motherhood.
“It’s been a while since we’ve performed at Century Casino and we love performing there. People actually move tables and dance. There isn’t an actual dance area, but people make one. There’s usually standing room only, and when we sing there, we feed off a great vibe we get from the audience.”
The Dirt Road Angels are featured at Century Casino on June 1 and 2. No charge.
