Claiming to come from a “downtrodden region of Illinois known as Forgottonia” that others might call Western Illinois (Macomb to be more specific), this hard-hitting quartet is out to set the woods on fire by taking inspiration from the land where they live and turning it into heartfelt, hell-bent, heads-up, countrified, rocking music. Kevin Dean (bass, vocals), Chris Buchanan (lead and pedal steel guitar, banjo, vocals), Bill Harroun (acoustic, electric and rhythm guitar, vocals) and Kevin Nichols (drums, percussion) have been compared to The Drive-By Truckers and the Flying Burrito Brothers and they couldn’t be happier about that. With two distinctive and vibrant recordings out (the EP Too Much Culture Can Kill You and a full length album, For Amusement Only), Iron Orchard continues to set the tone for bands that care about music and attitude before popular looks and crowd pleasing antics. If it’s closer to the bone you’re looking for, go gnaw on some tunes from this band for a satisfying music experience.
Iron Orchard
Friday, March 20, 9pm
Bar None
This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2015.
