The Shootouts - Stampede

Patience, as they say, is a virtue. But the fact is, sometimes it pays to just go bounding forward without any hesitation. Take The Shootouts, for example: since debuting in 2019 with the aptly-titled Quick Draw, the Ohio quartet’s career has mimicked the full-steam pace of one of its songs. No surprise, then, that the band’s third album Stampede bubbles over with an infectious sense of seizing the moment.

In fact, Stampede is literally the result of seizing the moment. As previously reported in Holler, just mere months after the release of their sophomore effort Bullseye, The Shootouts (understandably) had no intention of beginning work on a new album. But when Asleep At The Wheel bandleader Ray Benson expressed interest in working with them, The Shootouts jumped in with both feet.

From the very opening notes — a fretboard-burning lick from lead guitarist Brian Poston at the outset of album opener ‘Better Things to Do’ — The Shootouts are off and running. It’s not so much that The Shootouts play their rousing blend of honky tonk, Texas swing and rockabilly at fast tempos all the time. In fact, they slow down on nearly half the songs on Stampede. But there’s just no denying the energy here.

Listening to ‘Better Things to Do’ and the instrumental title track, it’s impossible not to imagine frenzied square dances that leave attendees exhausted and elated in equal measure. Likewise for the Western swing-flavored ‘One Step Forward.’ Elsewhere, on ‘Anywhere But Here’ and ‘I’ll Never Need Anyone More,’ The Shootouts tilt towards Americana.

In spots, the band reveals a knack for hinting (rather subtly) at the type of 1980s alternative rock that was itself subliminally influenced by country stylings. Elsewhere, shades of boogie, Hawaiian-tinged twang and swing jazz bring contours of variety to the album as a whole.

The album’s smooth production often seems to contain the band’s passion, but Stampede nevertheless still manages to capture the sheer jubilance of living life to the fullest.

7/10

Stampede is out Friday 24th February via Soundly Music. You can purchase the record from one of Holler's selected partners below:

Soundly Music | 2023

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The Shootouts

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