Kenny George Band
Borrowed Trouble
(self-released)
Find It: kennygeorgeband.com
In the three years since the Kenny George Band released its debut EP, Gunshy, the group has played damn near every club and dive bar in South Carolina and plenty beyond. But the band’s freight-train touring pace naturally begged questions: When were these guys planning to slow down long enough to record some new music? Was that even part of the plan? After three very long-seeming years, these questions have finally been answered in the form of Borrowed Trouble, the Aiken quintet’s first long-player.
More than most bands that even make the attempt, the KGB has always excelled at walking that fatal tightrope between modern (“Storm Clouds”) and outlaw country (“A Man That’s Never Gone”, “Great Unknown”). And when the spirit moves it, the KGB can also deliver a classic-sounding rock ‘n’ roll sizzler, as evidenced by “Cigarettes & Strange.” Borrowed Trouble also brings us the KGB’s best ballad to date, the album closer “Empty Side of Leaving.” The road-weary lovesick/homesick lament is a familiar trope in country and rock, but when pulled off with such sincerity, it’s still satisfying
Borrowed Trouble isn’t without its share of filler, but the good news is that this is still clearly the KGB that gave us Gunshy. Three years is long enough for any young band to get antsy and change course, especially with only one record tethering it to its established sound, but this new LP is largely just what it needs to be — a collection of tunes that builds on the group’s promise, showcasing a tighter, more ambitious ensemble. — Michael Spawn
What: Kenny George Band
Where: New Brookland Tavern, 122 State St.
When: Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m.
Price: $12 ($20 VIP)
With: The Mobros, Nick Clyburn Band
More: 803-791-4413, newbrooklandtavern.com
