Country Twang, Family Style

When it comes to country music, it isn’t hard to picture cliché songs about the South. A new country band, The Band Perry, has soulfully subverted that stereotype with passionate, universally-appealing lyrics and songs. And that’s what it brought to Los Angeles on Friday.

Interestingly enough, the three band members not only share a love of country music, but also a last name, hence “The Band Perry.” The band consists of Kimberly Perry (vocals), Reid Perry (bass) and Neil Perry (mandolin, drums and accordion).

“[The three of us] are brothers and sister,” Kimberly Perry said. “We are not married and Reid isn’t our son.”

Photo by Nathaniel Gonzalez | Daily Trojan

Although the group only has one album out, its hit singles such as “Hip to My Heart,” and “If I Die Young,” have led The Band Perry to early recognition with several nominations from both the Country Music Awards and the American Country Awards.

Friday night, The Band Perry heated up the stage at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live. The Band Perry, along with fellow country singer Chris Young, served as the opening acts for the legendary country singer Alan Jackson.

Although the concert was a chance for the band to shine, the siblings did not consider it to be about them.

“We [planned] to play a little and learn a lot on the A.J. tour and it’s just an honor to warm up the stage for him,” Kimberly Perry said.

The spacious stage was set up minimally, with only two simple screens in the background that projected golden fields of grain. The sparse set allowed the band to focus on the music, captivating the audience without bells and whistles, using just pure adrenalin and unforgettable melodies.

Before a crowd of country music lovers — ranging from children to grandparents — decked out in cowboy boots and hats, The Band Perry opened with “You Lie,” a song about a broken relationship.

The audience cheered as Kimberly Perry hit the high notes with heady strength and precision. The opening, “You Lie,” featured some powerful wordplay, such as, I never like the taste of crow / But baby I ate it.

Leading right into the next song “Hip to my Heart,” the band began with a fun riff between the fiddle and electric guitar. In the middle of the song Kimberly Perry improvised some different lyrics for the song, singing, “Los Angeles — you play it cool,” to the loud agreement of the crowd.

With influences coming anywhere from Loretta Lynn and Aretha Franklin to bluegrass and the Beatles, The Band Perry songs were a catchy and creative blend of country and rock, a sound that the members attribute to their parents.

“Daddy put us to bed with the Rolling Stones and Mamma woke us up with Loretta Lynn,” Kimberly Perry said.

This blend combined with Kimberly Perry’s strong and sassy vocals and the smooth and twangy harmonizing voices of Reid Perry and Neil Perry helped the band’s audience.

Next, The Bandy Perry played “Miss You Being Gone,” opening with an impressive rock ‘n’ roll guitar riff followed by lyrics full of sass and wit aimed at a returning ex-boyfriend.

A short introduction of the band members led into Reid Perry’s self-admitted favorite song on the album, “Independence.”

“[Independence] is about stretching out on your own for the first time and finding your feet in this world,” Reid Perry said.

In the middle of the song, the band transitioned into a cover of Tom Petty’s hit song “Free Fallin’.”

Although many critics of country music can disparage the genre as only being full of clichéd lyrics about Chevy trucks breaking down or singers’ dogs dying, The Band Perry uniquely supplements its songs with a love for literature.

“We are avid readers and one of our favorite literary genres is Southern Gothic. We love Flannery O’Connor,” said Kimberly Perry.

This influence could be seen thematically in the next song, “If I Die Young.”

“This song is about making the most of what you’ve been given,” Kimberly Perry said. As a hush fell over the audience, someone audibly said “I love this song,” as he or she intently listened to the poignant and touching lullaby-like ballad.

The last song of the set, “Quittin’ You,” brought a fun and playful end to the band’s show as Kimberly Perry dedicated it to the city, saying “Oh Los Angeles, it’s over.”

Although The Band Perry was only able to play six songs, it made a lasting and memorable impression. After the concert, a large number of people lined up for autographs and photos with the band.

The tour with Alan Jackson is just the start of the band’s ascent. The siblings will serve as presenters at  Wednesday night’s Country Music Awards. The Band Perry is also in the running for a prize itself, having been nominated for Vocal Group of the Year, along with Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts and several other artists.

“To be there will be just an honor in itself,” Neil Perry said.

Although The Band Perry might not be expecting any awards, its performance on Friday and new album prove it is bursting with new talent and are here to stay.