To “pine” is to deeply long for something or someone, and it’s often been a term used in old country and folk music.
Such is the thought behind Americana country rockers Woody Woodworth & The Piners, whose newest album, Rebels & Dreamers reflects that pining through a sonic journey that explores family, love, and growth.
Raised in a working class family with “hippie” tendencies, frontman Woody Woodworth has garnered a reputation for telling authentic stories from the heart. The Richmond, Virginia-based band incorporates their home region’s Appalachian culture within their country, bluegrass, and rock and roll sound, creating a timeless yet modern sound which is heard on the new release. Rebels & Dreamers follows their 2023 album, Outlaws & Saints.
The first song on the album, “Wild Ones,” opens with a soothing acoustic guitar line and swelling fiddle that segues into Woodworth’s smooth vocals. It’s country n’ western rooted with melancholic storytelling, highlighting multiple characters who come from rougher backgrounds and are fighting for the same thing; their freedom and their dreams.
Accentuated with pedal steel and harmonica, the song feels like it belongs in a turning point in a movie: “Here’s to the wild ones / Always on the run / Here’s to the wild ones / Dancing to a different drum,” he sings. It’s a proper shout-out to those of the album’s title, and a damn good opener to the 13-track album.
Another notable track off the album, “Progress,” showcases a more old school folk melody, reminiscing on what feels like “campfire country.” “And they’re gonna turn it into a Walmart / A strip mall, a parking lot / What’s the good in progress / If you give them all you’ve got,” he croons.
The song establishes images of a family’s 20th Century American Dream eventually getting uprooted by big city developers all in the name of consumerism. It’s a story about building a life, family, and tradition just for it to all be turned into a new capitalized entity. “The skies ain’t always blue,” he sings, offering a sad undertone to this frustrating story.
In a welcomed change of pace, their sixth track, “Bastards,” is a harder Americana rocker that pulls no punches. The chorus rings out strong as Woodworth sings, “They’re just bastards / Every god damn one / They’re just bastards / Think they’re better than who you are.” It’s a tale about having a sense of self and fighting for who you are. With a fiddle line amidst the rock n’ roll that acts as a great lead into each chorus, this song is felt in your bones and beats with your heart.
Their tenth track, “Black Dress,” is another unique song from the album, as it’s duet with the artist Deau Eyes. It’s a sweet and tender acoustic track with romantic yet hesitant tones, with each artist alternating verses. “Go on honey have your fun / Lord you’re like the devil with that black dress on,” Woodworth sings. Opposing sides of the “black dress” are represented by each singer, one a jealous ex and the other an invigorated beauty. It’s a tale of lust and regret.
Wrapping up the Rebels & Dreamers album is “Busted Knuckles.” The track is a perfect finale to the album- sealing up this sonic story through a song of acceptance and growth, and through a heart swelling, slow and steady acoustic melody. “Busted knuckles and broken bottles / Learning lessons one at a time,” he serenades.
Rebels & Dreamers is a true anthem of the American spirit, and foreshadows the rising Americana star of Woody Woodworth & The Piners.
