The Band Perry Are Not ‘Done’ With Sassy – Review

Surrounding their debut album, my view of The Band Perry was that of sweet, but boring. There’s nothing really else I could have said, until they released ‘Better Dig Two’, and suddenly my ears pricked up. ‘Done’ continues where ‘Better Dig Two’ left off, a feisty, sassy, angry rant at a terrible boyfriend, now ex. It sounds like the kind of thing Taylor Swift should have gone on to do where instead she went to record Fearless.

Here rhythm is the predominating force, the punchy guitars jumping in and out of Kimberly Perry’s expertly-articulated vocals, that positively bounce. The lyrical phrasing is a key contributor to this, and the chorus in particular showcases the dynamic interplay of rhythms. “Mama always told me that I should play nice, she didn’t know you when she gave me that advice, I’m through with you” is the section I’m talking about here. Clearly a lot of work has gone into making it perfect, and it pays off.

I had to listen carefully, but there does seem to be both a banjo and a fiddle. However, they’re very low in the mix, and perhaps they could have been brought out more to reassure us TBP are not going to slyly migrate over to pop radio (although I could see this being moderately successful in the format). The song still works as it is despite this, and as I look out my window and see the sun glowing on the tarmac, I realize how appropriate this song is as we move into Spring/Summer. We need something that will kick us in the shins and pour tequila down our throats and by that token ‘Done’ doesn’t disappoint. Perhaps the fiddle solo is more ‘metal’ than was required, but the desired effect is achieved and this will certainly stand out amongst its competitors for the biggest summer tune.

The break-up lyrics, instead of looking back on a relationship that has already ended and feeling bitter, orchestrates the exact moment the narrator is dumping the boyfriend. This makes for the angry, frustrated pent-up of emotions characteristic of this situation, and is very visual, especially with Kimberly’s fantastic grunts and final ‘UGH’, during which the music completely stops to allow maximum impact, before kicking in again. It’s very easy to imagine the video for such a song, and this final play-out provides a mental montage of Kimberly strutting away from her horrible ex in true scorned five-inch-heels style. I’ll be honest and say I don’t think it would work without everything she brings to the song, the sheer attitude really putting across its meaning and forcing you to feel the same way.

I for one am loving this heavier, darker, and sassier side to The Band Perry, and Kimberly certainly seems to have come out of her shell for it. And do you know what, she looks damn good on it.

Album ‘Pioneer’ drops April 2. Pre-order it on Amazon here, iTunes pre-order to come soon. You can listen to ‘Done’ here:

 

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Comments

[Vickye]

Thanks! I'll go in and edit that. Hard to tell sometimes!
Are you trying to tell me you're THE Neil Perry? ;P

[Neil Perry]

It is a fiddle solo. :) -np #Pioneer