THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Will’s Pub, May 10
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are a young Chapel Hill band that’s really just emerging. They’re a new Bloodshot Records signing whose debut LP (Sidelong) released nationally not even two weeks ago, so this Orlando debut was one of those early-peek shows. But from what they showed on stage, go ahead and mark them down now.
Young though they are, the Disarmers – in look and sound – aren’t fucking around. The quintet came legit with a serious country-rock setup (yes, pedal steel and upright bass) and a for-real frontwoman.
There are broader Americana and roots currents in their sound. But the chief reason to take note is that at their core beats a heart that’s real country. It’s a vigorous, unchained twang that swings, honks and tonks. And Shook? She’s a pistol who looks like a punk refugee and sounds like Loretta’s hard-living, dive bar-chiseled daughter.
Taken together, it’s as solid a foundation as they come. They come packing skill, bite and authenticity. When your fundamentals have this much spark and diesel, fire can only be imminent. There wasn’t much reputation to precede them, but they now leave town sure having laid down some.
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This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene.
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Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
This article appears in May 10-16, 2017.
