Reynosa blends country, indie rock
BY FRANKLIN HAYES Gulf Breeze News franklin@gulfbreezenews.com

Franklin Hayes/Gulf breeze News Back row from left: vocalist Jordan Richards and guitarist Nathan Dillahay. Front: drummer Josh Barnhill, keyboardist Aubrey Nichols and bassist Josh Duff.

Members of the local indie, country-rock band Reynosa are proud to announce the release of their latest album, “Directions” and their upcoming album release party at the Handle Bar in downtown Pensacola, Dec. 29. The band will perform their swaggering set of southern-bred tunes along with the eccentric, Tallahassee, Fla. based indie band Look Mexico.

“We like to promote our live shows as much as possible,” said guitarist and Gulf Breeze resident Nathan Dillahay.

Bassist Josh Duff explained why the show would be well worth the $5 cover charge.

“We play as hard as we can and have fun,” Duff said. “We want the audience to do the same.”

Reynosa, which initially named themselves after the Pensacola road where their practices were held, bend the contemporary boundaries of the rock and country genres, successfully melding their own blend of twangy, ear catching songs that stick in one’s mind like gravy and biscuits sticks to the ribs.

Directions, recorded in little over a month at Fish Pie Records in Gulf Breeze, fits any listener like their favorite, wornin pair of Wranglers and fills the audiophile’s palate like a hearty meal of perfectly crafted beef stroganoff - thick, satisfying, texturally diverse, yet consistent.

The very first track, “It’s All Uphill From Here,” perfectly sets the tone for the remainder of the album. The tune’s upbeat and telecaster laden introduction easily gives way to a blithe, bass driven verse which then gives way to a magnetic chorus that hooks listeners instantly. After that, prepare for a dusty, horseback ride along the rocky banks along the Rio Grande, complete with unexpected turns, wide open pastures and the occasional desert oasis. Standout tracks include the sultry “I’m coming home,” which features a sound reminiscent of a vintage muscle car cruising some long lost freeway, “Rectify,” which paints a sullen picture of a smoky, whiskey soaked, country karaoke bar, “Good Bye Woman” with its edacious rhythm, “The Promised Land” and its introspective lyrics and “Shotgun Girl” with its lonely highway feel.

To hear samples from Directions, visit Reynosa online at www.myspace.com/reynosa music. CD’s will be available at the Handle Bar on Dec. 29 for only $8 and will be available at East Hill CD Exchange on 12th Avenue in Pensacola for $10 after the show. The new album will also be available online at www.cdbaby.com and www.apple.com/itunes.