Oklahoma’s James Robert Webb kicks off his new EP Ride or Die with a song virtually anyone can get behind. “Gentlemen Start Your Weekends” swings open the door to the EP’s remaining five songs with its rootsy rock demeanor, blazing guitar, and assertive vocals. The writing connects with listeners and never goes over their heads. The tightly written track doesn’t have even a second of fat or self-indulgence; it’s super-charged honkytonk that forces you to sit up and take notice.
The six songs on James Robert Webb’s latest release form the bedrock of his forthcoming full-length album Weekend Outlaw. The latter, due to land in the fall of 2024, gains much of its traction by focusing on the personal passions that sustain our lives rather than the time clock drudgery we rely on to pay the bills. “Ride or Die”, the EP’s title cut, embodies this theme. It’s more souped-up honkytonk testifying about the joys of bike riding and the individuality many find in this pursuit. Of course, the larger subject is freedom, and the accompanying rock-tinged music imbues the performance with ample verve.
“Lovesick Drifting Cowboy” inhabits much more traditional territory. His country music influences leap to the fore, and it’s noteworthy how Webb ransacks country music’s history for time-tested imagery that he recasts in a particularly personal way. It’s appropriately moody in light of the subject matter. The lyrics are strong; many of the song’s rhymes are inevitable in the best possible way. Five-star instrumental performances fuel each of Ride or Die’s half-dozen numbers, and this rates among the EP’s best.
James Robert Webb – Ride or Die (Official Lyric Video)
Official lyric video for James Robert Webb’s “Ride or Die”.
“New Moon Light” is another of Ride or Die’s peak moments. The slight but meaningful stylistic turn he takes with this adds to the EP’s diversity. It’s instrumentally distinguished by melodic piano playing woven throughout the arrangement, and Webb tailors his voice accordingly. Songwriting discipline is one of the consistent hallmarks of Webb’s material reaching back to his 2013 debut, and you hear it in every passage of “New Moon Light”.
He jolts us with a surprise during “Buenos Noches Nacogdoches”. Much of the song passes us by as a lightly atmospheric number at odds with the bluster of the opening two tracks before Webb upends the listener’s expectations past the track’s halfway mark. It’s a perfect mate for the last song “Adore”. He goes further out on a musical limb with this song than any other included on Ride or Die and, as a result, rewards listeners with a gem. The acoustic foundation makes for a much more intimate listening experience than any of its predecessors, but it’s Webb’s nearly hushed vocal that provides the closer’s crowning touch.
James Robert Webb
Listen to James Robert Webb on Spotify. Artist · 27.5K monthly listeners.
Judging by these six songs, Weekend Outlaw has the potential to be James Robert Webb’s finest release yet. He comes across as a musical artist in full command of his powers and unafraid to take chances. It makes for exciting listening and leaves you wanting more. Be patient; more is coming forthwith. It’ll scratch whatever musical itch you have.
Clay Burton