backwoods-payback-future-slum

With "Whatever", Backwoods Payback Blazes Their Own Trail

backwoods-payback-future-slum

Trend adherence is no concern for Backwoods Payback. Blackened-this and post-that be damned, these fifteen-year stoner-grunge veterans are steadfastly dedicated to their vision, and it’s a passion plainly visible in their work. The trio sling crunch-laden riffage which bears many hallmarks of the group’s selected genre palette while resolutely planting their feet in both classic heavy metal, psychedelic rock, and 1990s alt-rock territory.

The trio’s fifth and latest release is the upcoming full-length Future Slum — drift along with “Whatever,” the album’s third track, premiering exclusively below.

Backwoods Payback’s affinity for infectious melody is readily apparent from the song’s opening moments. Guitarist and vocalist Mike Cummings lopes atop his droning chords with a throaty drawl soon complemented by a guest appearance from Royal Thunder’s inimitable Mlny Parsonz. Here, Cummings is apathetic as the song’s title demands, his slinking, caustic timbre and lilting delivery reminiscent of early-days Dave Grohl. Whether obliterating his ride or stampeding around the toms, drummer Erik Larson (Alabama Thunderpussy, Avail) strides in lockstep with bassist Jessica Baker for one gargantuan riff after another.

Despite the nonchalance of its name, and in the face of Parsonz’s acerbic rasps, “Whatever” is as warm and engaging as the rest of Future Slum’s ten tracks. “Am I still breathing,” Cummings and Parsonz plead towards the end in a back-and-forth duet, but the answer is a resounding yes.

Backwoods Payback will release Future Slum on August 3rd in CD, vinyl and digital formats. Pre-order the album from the band on Bandcamp.