On ‘Backbone’, the dusty acoustic roots-rock track from Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard, it’s about man-up. Melding Americana, acoustic blues and Southern roots rock, the song has a raw and honest feel to it and seems both familiar and fresh.
“Backbone” instantly establishes a sense of place as birds are heard before the instruments join in. Although it’s a simple touch, it’s one that works and makes the song feel organic from the outside. The acoustic guitar riff starts soon followed by the feet stomping, handclapping, harmonica and an energized gang voice.
One of the strengths of the arrangement is the way it’s set up. The acoustic guitar riff is repeated, the handclaps and foot stomps lend the track its infectious energy, and the track feels like a song that’s supposed to be sung together. The communal vocals bring character to the mix as well, lending it that barroom, lived-in feel.
In his songwriting, Joseph Turner’s message remains simple: life may be tough, but at times you must dig deeper, push through those hard times, find the strength to persevere. There’s nothing too complicated about the idea and that’s part of its appeal.
Featuring guitars that are a bit dusty, a few raw vocals, and a strong beat, “Backbone” is a feel-good reminder that if you fall down your never stay down.
