Austin Collins - Roses Are Black (2008)

With vocals that are half Radney Foster, half Dexter Holland (lead singer of The Offspring) and all Texas grit, Austin Collins’ second album, Roses are Black is a solid collection of high-energy Americana. With his backing band The Rainbirds providing above-average alt-country accompaniment, Collins delves into introspection without ever becoming boring, cliche, or maudlin.

While the album’s titular song is musically kind of a drag despite its pointed lyrics, the rest of the tracks are keepers, especially the bitter “Unapology”. While some Americana bands tend toward the shallow side on their lyrics, Austin Collins proves that you can have both style and substance in abundance on an alt-country record.

Track List:

01 - 11 Months
02 - Broken
03 - Witching Hour
04 - Roses Are Black
05 - Out Loud
06 - Bridge Street Lullaby
07 - Unapology
08 - Can't Say This At Home
09 - 8 Dollar Thrills
10 - Today
11 - House Without Windows
12 - Goodbye Houston

Download includes front cover