Editing by: Mitch Wetherington
Dixiana, the follow up to Southwood’s first self-titled EP,holds the essence of modern southern rock while maintaining undertones of blues and folk. They dig even deeper into their roots, past, and hope for the future to produce meaningful lyrics over captivating instrumentals. Their soul comes across even more clearly in the new tracks than in the older ones, the band having become more comfortable in their element and confident in their identity.
Southwood’s versatility is one of the most impressive characteristics that, as a band, they embody. From the upbeat, party track “Hit It” to the somber nostalgia of “Rambler’s Son,” the EP takes us through many emotional highs and lows. It starts with a jig and ends with a slow dance, relating stories of love, sadness, life, and reflection in the span of six songs. “Twice” is romantic, keeping a steady rhythm of blush-inducing sweetness and silky-smooth vocals. The guys let their inner rebels shine with the revenge track “Gunnin’,” full of angsty guitar licks and cymbal crashes, each note coated with frustration and determination. Taking an interesting turn, “This Life” brings hope to life by reminding us to appreciate the life we’ve been given–monotony and rough patches are irrelevant in the greater scheme of things, so appreciate the little things that remind us of our luck. The title track “Dixiana” is a song of the “sway-from-side-to-side-with-a-lighter-in-the-air” variety, one that makes you feel proud to be from the South… that is, if you’re actually from the South. It’s Southwood’s very own “New York State of Mind.” Similar to what they did with their self-titled EP, the band decided to end Dixiana with “Rambler’s Son,” a stripped down ballad reflecting on mistakes made and dealing with the resulting consequences but refusing to be ashamed of the past. This song rounds out the journey for the listener; you’ll be itching to hit the replay button before the EP’s even over.
With Dixiana, Southwood has reaffirmed the already strongly seated notion that they are, without a doubt, one of the best bands in the Southeast. It strongly exemplifies each of the member’s talents. Mitch Wetherington sings in no other key than awesome, and is supported flawlessly by Henri Gates’s vocals and lead guitar, Christian Wood’s bass lines, and Craig South’s unshakeable rhythm on the drums. Dixiana pushes all the right buttons at the perfect frequency. Satisfaction is expected, and Southwood most definitely delivers.
