ZZ Top just wanted some “Tush.” Dallas, Texas cowpunks the Von Ehrics just want something in a bottle. On their third full-length album, the 35-minute Loaded, the trio takes rockabilly and country, pump them up to 11 and put the pedal to the floorboard.

On the outlaw anthem title track, vocalist/guitarist Robert Vandygriff sings about getting intoxicated all day. On the redneck-metal meltdown “Buy Me a Drink,” he matter-of-factly states, “I’ll drink whatever’s put in front of me tonight.”

On the serious side, the band hosts a toast to fallen friends during punked-up “Jimmy Blades.” Several tunes resemble Steve Earle meeting Social Distortion, such as desperado narrative “A Week of Living Dangerously” and likeminded layoff commentary “The Worst Is Over.” In typical country fashion, the Von Ehrics end with an acoustic gospel reverie, “Lost, Found, Free,” a plea for personal peace and redemption.

If you’ve worn out your Hank III records, give the Von Ehrics a spin.

Grade: B



Loaded is currently available.