Tennessee Backwater “In God We Trust” (SINGLE/VIDEO)

You’d be forgiven for reading Tennessee Backwater’s biographical materials and assuming they are dyed in the wool modern retro country juked with added hop. The elasticity of “In God We Trust” is a pleasant surprise in the face of such assumptions. Backwater utilizes a three-headed vocalist approach, unusual but potent, and the core of the Elder brothers, Bo and Hunter, teamed with Blake Daniels acquit themselves nicely throughout “In God We Trust”.

URL: https://tennesseebackwater.com/

They present an unified front. Few, if any, listeners will doubt each band member’s continued religious faith in a world where they sense foes lurking at every turn. There’s unquestionably more than a little darkness shadowing Tennessee Backwater’s “In God We Trust” – the song’s bitter reality is that putting faith in their creator seems to be all the band can do during these increasingly perilous times.

Tennessee Backwater imposes an anthemic structure on the song. It has a sound and tone leaning far more to the rock side of the musical ledger, but “In God We Trust” moves the unit far from its country roots. Many will hear Southern rock influences in the song’s arrangement and instrumentation. It is surprising that Daniels, the Elder brothers, Jason Tucker, and Cash Callaway share the songwriting credit for “In God We Trust” as each aspect of the track sounds like the product of a single unwavering voice.

The recent Presidential election spotlights how songs such as this resonate with more Americans than ever. However, it speaks to a larger audience. Global listeners can hear the yearning for lost Edens in the lyrics for “In God We Trust” and how keeping your grip on life’s timeless foundational elements provides ballast when the world is topsy-turvy around you. “In God We Trust” has a longer reach than you might think.

It definitely illustrates their continued growth as songwriters and performers. “In God We Trust” promises a lot from its live performances. It isn’t difficult to imagine a large crowd singing along with a handful of the song’s passages, and Tennessee Backwater’s members are undoubtedly aware of its communal potential. It doesn’t sound or seem cheap.

There’s nothing cheap about the song’s video. Tennessee Backwater relies on the same directness in its visual presentation that sustains its musical identity. As a result, they connect early with viewers. None of the band members are especially shy in front of the camera. They bring a sense of commitment and stakes to their individual and collective performances that help make the promotional clip all the more impactful.

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-god-we-trust-single/1772461263

The songwriting’s ability to tap into the current Zeitgeist isn’t premeditated or cooked up for financial success. Tennessee Backwater’s limited prior releases and this new single equally attest to their love of honest, gut-level songs that never insult listeners with pretentious twaddle. They aren’t trying to sell you anything. They are performing for you, expressing themselves with seemingly boundless passion, and delivering material they quite clearly believe in.

The future is bright for this outfit. Tennessee Backwater’s “In God We Trust” marries seriousness of intent with gripping music and intelligent arranging. We can expect that the band’s songwriting prowess will continue expanding with each new release, and “In God We Trust” will mark a watershed moment for the band. It’s every bit as impressive after the tenth listen as it is during the first. Seek it out today, and rest assured you won’t be disappointed.

Mark Druery