Song Review: “4th of July” by Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

New England’s country/rock outfit Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band have shared their latest single, “4th of July.” The track is taken from the upcoming album Lower County Outlaw, which is set to be released February 2, 2023.

“4th of July” tells the story of the first time Kristian and his wife, April, hooked up, and every aspect of the music and lyrics carries the listener through the anticipation and rightness of the moment.

Kristian has expertly crafted a composition that reflects the build-up to what is going to happen. The music starts rather slow and steady, creating tension as it climbs to its highest point. The lyrics echo the comfort and chemistry between the two, the feeling that it was meant to be, that Kristian and April had only to come to this place they both belong.

The track peaks at a guitar solo and a final chorus sung with the urgency that was felt in the pickup truck on that fateful winter’s night.

“It might be cold in the air tonight, but baby, we’re on fire…”

If “4th of July” is a sign of things to come, Lower County Outlaw is going to consist of 12 songs that play with the boundaries of rock and country, blurring into a genre that anyone can enjoy while masterfully recounting relatable stories with both words and music.

Check out “4th of July” here.

You can listen to the other single from Lower County Outlaw – “Gypsy Girl” – and preorder the album at Kristian’s Bandcamp page.

30 Day Song Challenge: Day 27 – A Song That Motivates You

There are several Alter Bridge songs that motivate me, but this one hit the hardest the very first time I heard it.

Alter Bridge: “My Champion”

30 Day Song Challenge: Day 26 – A Song That Relaxes You

Pink Floyd: “Learning To Fly”

My Favorite Christmas Cover Songs

I’m not a huge fan of Christmas music, but every now and then a rock band takes a Christmas classic and makes it bearable. Lol. So here are my top 5 favorite Christmas covers.

Small Town Titans: “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”

Originally performed by Thurl Ravenscroft

This is the best of the best. His voice, the arrangement, that dirty bass intro… Perfection.

Shinedown: “Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)”

Originally performed by John Lennon

I love this song anyway, but Brent Smith singing can take any song to another level.

Throne of Eden: “Christmas Canon Rock”

Originally performed by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “Carol of the Bells”

Original performed by students at Kyiv University in December 1916; music composed by Mykola Leontovych and lyrics written by Peter J. Wilhousky

From Ashes to New: “All I Want for Christmas is You”

Originally performed by Mariah Carey