Live Music Review: The Dead South at Rock City

Words: Richard Davies
Photos: Richard Davies
Friday 15 February 2019
reading time: min, words

The Dead South popped into town on Friday 8 February...

The Dead South rolled into town on Friday night, to play to a packed Rock City. Having played the Rescue Rooms in 2017 the band rose to fame this side of the Atlantic from their hit YouTube video for their song In Hell I’ll Be in Good Company.

Formed back in 2012, The Dead South are a

Canadian folk-bluegrass musical ensemble based in Regina, Saskatchewan consisting of Nate Hilts (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Scott Pringle (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Danny Kenyon (cello, vocals) and Colton Crawford (banjo).

Bringing to life the feel of the old western frontier, with their fast picking style and lyrics about hard drinking and tobacco chewing, the band has grown to stand on their own merit in the folk world. However, the band also bring a kind of gritty punk ethos to the traditional bluegrass band music. With a smart, unique image, they have a commanding stage presence.

The crowd, a mix of die-hard Dead South fans and those new to the band, were thoroughly entertained, enjoying hits from 2014’s Good Company and The Dead South, and from 2016’s Illusion & Doubt.

On the night they were ably supported by long time collaborator Del Suelo (Erik Mehlsen) and the amazing The Hooten Hallers, a three piece high-energy blues, soul and rock and roll band known for their gritty Americana roots music from Missouri.

Rock City website

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