Tumbledown – Tumbledown – Review

Release Date: May 19th, 2009
Record Label: End Sound Records
Genre: Punk Country

MXPX singer and bass player Mike Herrera has been a fixture in the pop punk music world for a long time, fronting one of the biggest, catchiest pop punk bands of all time. After conquering that world, he decided to take on a different sound entirely. With Tumbledown, Herrera has crafted a punk rock infused classic country / rock-a-billy sound that catchy, upbeat, well written, and absolutely admirable. Tumbledown is a high energy party band and their style is down right electric!

The album kicks off with the song “Let’s Drink”, a song that sinks its teeth in immediately; begging to “drink ‘til we fall down, there’s nothing else to do here in this town”, there’s no better way to introduce the band. Following that gem is “Butcher of San Antone”, fast paced with excellent structure, including a slower country interlude with luscious female vocals. When Herrera put this band together, he did it right; he’s been writing this style of music for over a decade and it shows with complete brilliance.

Influenced by the likes of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe and others, Herrera does a great job balancing the two worlds in his life. With Tumbledown predominately country but woven with grungy pop punk, you can’t help but get sucked in. From the twangy hits like “Homeward Bound” to the more “get up and go” style of “Came Here to Fight”, it’s all pure genius. There’s a niche market for this style and Tumbledown doesn’t hit it, they blast right on through it.

If you’re the slightest fan of Hank Williams III, rock-a-billy music, or MXPX, I strongly suggest checking out this album immediately. This is a cd that shouldn’t be overlooked. ~Staff

Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:
1. Let’s Drink
2. Butcher of San Antone
3. Break Out of History
4. Movin’ On
5. I’m Still Here
6. State Line
7. Came Here To Fight
8. Second Hand High
9. My Sweet Darling Dear
10. Son of A Gun
11. Homeward Bound
12. *Hidden Track*