“Tumbleweed is best enjoyed with a glass of whiskey and your imagination open to a different time.
A time when gunslinging outlaws ran wild across the prairie with the law chasing close behind.
We hope you enjoy our interpretation of this time told through
a modern Americana/Blues style.” – David Barber
This Friday (3/2), Canadian duo GB Roots is set to release their sophomore album Tumbleweed. Produced by the band and Mitch Merrett, the 10-tracks play like a movie with instrumental interludes mapped out among songs showcasing David Barber and Kirby Green’s vocals, songwriting wit and instrumentation.
The decision to incorporate tracks that are strictly instrumental was instinctive as both band members- individual and together – have been acknowledged for their expertise. Green has three British Columbia Country Music Awards for “Bass Player of the Year” under her belt while Barber’s nominations include “Guitar Player of the Year” (BCCMA) and “Instrumentalist of the Year” (BCCMA and Canadian Country Music Awards). Tumbleweed begins with an introduction that pays tribute to one of the most iconic western movie soundtracks ever, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.” The signature tune instantly brings to mind images of tumbleweeds blowing around the Wild West, and much like the classic films, midway through is an Intermission and the final track is titled “Ending Credits.”
That quintessential western theme continues with the first track “Better Get Your Gun.” Released as the lead single, the song kicks off with Barber’s word-speak reminiscent of something Johnny Cash would write: The road I travel on gets rougher every day. Life I’m told is free, but it’s only made me pay. Lovers go like sun on snow with nothing left behind. If I die I hope they fine my gun right by my side. Green’s strong vocals enter and blend perfectly with Barber as they tell the tale of a life on the run.
The title track “Tumbleweed” is an upbeat song with a bit of a Pat Benatar feel, from the rock-infused electric guitar to Green’s singing. “Halfway,” the duo’s current single, is a wonderfully dark song about being halfway between dead and alive, as the devil gives chase. The picking of the electric guitar sets the tone of the song with an eerie feeling as Green sings: Sun is slowly setting, time is running out / Living in a ghost town just trying to get out / Mama said take that train right out of here / She didn’t know the devil was the engineer. Barber’s gritty voice gives depth to the melancholy story of “Ghost Train,” intensified by the somber sound of chains clanking.
“Letting Go,” “Pale Rider” (another Clint Eastwood film nod) and the beautiful “Show Me Grace” round out the rest of this amazing Americana meets Blues album.
Stream the exclusive premiere of the title track Tumbleweed below:
Tumbleweed Track Listing:
1. Introduction
2. Better Get Your Gun
3. Tumbleweed
4. Halfway
5. Intermission
6. Ghost Train
7. Letting Go
8. Pale Rider
9. Show Me Grace
10. Ending Credits
To purchase Tumbleweed on iTunes, click here.
For more information on GB Roots, visit http://www.gbroots.com.