Petticoat, Petticoat

Ever gotten free gum from RadioShack? If you haven’t, you should check out Petticoat, Petticoat, because they have, and that gives them status over the rest of us gumless rabble. And don’t worry, that impressive fact isn’t the best thing about these guys (and girl), splendid though it is.

What is the best thing? It may be their lyrics, simple yet beautiful tales of love, trust, family, and home. "The easiest songs are the most beautiful," sings vocalist Kristin Messina in the opening track "It’s So Easy" and it could not be a better motto for the album. Many of the songs carry a loving feel throughout them (probably because they’re written from love letters) and dance on the edge of sappiness but safety remain impressive with songs of family troubles like "Love In An Alley" and ones of their hometown Lexington, Kentucky such as "China Plate."

The band began with leadman Dickie Haydon and his childhood friends (all on the same street) and moved through different phases of progressive, experimental, and pop rock, before finally landing on the genre blending sound of the present Petticoat. They edge in on country, especially to untrained ears, but delicately remain indie in a certain sense with songs like "Glittering Heels" that present catchy guitar rhythms and ethereal vocals. With instruments such as a harmonica and pedal steel, Petticoat also ventures out into rock-blues in "Crosshair."

After transitioning into the final form of Petticoat, Petticoat late 2005, the band headed off to studios with producer John Vice where they spent the early half of 2006 recording "Every Mother’s Child," their debut LP. Finished in May and released early summer, the album is a transparent and impressive view at Petticoat’s music. The band backed the album with a tour in summer, and hope to get out on the road again in winter.

Petticoat, Petticoat achieves an easy and bright sound that complements their natural lyrics perfectly. Any fan of softer indie or blues should check this Kentucky band out, RadioShack gum or not.

More information and tunes from the band can be found at their site: http://www.petticoatpetticoat.com

(Written for Shut Up Magazine)