OLD DOMINION | MEMORY LANE
Old Dominion is a modern American country music band formed in Nashville, TN. Comprising the members of the band are Matthew Ramsey (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Trevor Rosen (rhythm guitar, keyboards), Whit Sellers (drums), Geoff Sprung (bass guitar), and Brad Tursi (lead guitar). What makes their music stand out is their contemporary approach to country with rock instrumentation, and pop overtones.
The band formed in 2012 initially to showcase the songs they had written. Collectively, the individual band members have writing credits on a multitude of songs for other artists such as, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry, Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bently, and Luke Bryan.
Old Dominion has released five full-length albums and three EPs. Their studio debut album Meat and Candy was released in 2015 followed by their second album Happy Endings which was released in 2017, a third album Old Dominion was released in 2019, and their fourth album, Tequila & Therapy, was released in 2021. On October 6, 2023, the band released Memory Lane, their fifth full length album, which is the subject of this review.
They are on fire releasing an album every two years!
I am always surprised when someone tells me that they’ve “never heard of Old Dominion.” Of course, my generation grew up on 80’s rock and 90’s grunge and are not so much country fans…myself included. Though I’ve come around the last several years for a few country artists, I am still a die-hard Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Stone Temple Pilots fan. I do have to say that Old Dominion is my favorite country artist and I think that Matt Ramsey’s swoony, soothing voice, and the bands rock and pop inclusions have everything to do with it. The last several albums have been amazing, and I couldn’t wait for this one to come out. Here are my favorites.
The song that stood out to me on the album is Memory Lane, for which the album is titled. The upbeat, smooth vocals by Matt Ramsey, instrumentals, and electric guitar melt with each other in perfect unison. The song evokes memories of the best days of your life, with the love of your life, and it cherishes them. “Thinking 'bout those sunsets that bled into jean jacket nights. Those tangled up mornings, lost in paradise. Still drunk on the feeling when I close my eyes. You're pulling me closer, your head on my shoulder. We'd never let go and we'd never be over.” The song is happy and uplifting, and reminiscent of loving moments captured in time. It gives all the feels.
Some Horses takes a more somber tone. The lyrics speak of a person who won’t be tied down, even for love. “I race and I run, I keep chasin' the sun. When I'm done, you see nothin' but dust. I'm restless and rare with the wind in my hair. Goin' somewhere that I never was.You were holdin' me knowin' I couldn't be broken. And now you're just holdin' the reins. I'll love you forever, you should have known better. Some horses can never be tamed.” It’s a sad, but beautiful song that can resonate with those that have loved someone knowing that it wasn’t going to last forever. Some people are free spirits, like wild horses, not meant to be tamed. The instrumentals perfectly match the sentiment of this song. The guitar chords reverberate seamlessly throughout the song making the saddest of notes beautifully magical.
Old Dominion Live at the PNC Arena in Raleigh
If the song Memory Lane holds on to the cherished memories of a relationship, then I Should Have Married You talks about the regrets of losing it. “That's just the way it goes. I should've seen it through. I should've let you know. I should've said, "I do."Back when I still had the chance, yeah, I should've married you.” As sad as some regrets can be, this song has a lighter tone to it. The tempo fluctuates between high and low in perfect alignment with the lyrics Matt sings. The highs of course come when the lyrics reflect on the relationship fondly, and the lows come when they reflect back on the regrets and reasonings he grapples with on why he didn’t propose.
Memory Lane encompasses love, regret, and happiness and Old Dominion perfectly executes every song. Whether you’re driving on a country road or sitting at home on your living room couch unwinding this is a beautiful album to listen to. I’m sure you’ll find yourself going back in time reflecting at your own memories made with people that you love or have loved.
Old Dominion is currently on their No Bad Vibes Tour, which I had the pleasure of enjoying from the “pit” right there at the rail during their tour stop in Raleigh, NC at the PNC Arena. This was a bucket list show for me, and I was not disappointed. I sang almost every song, heard a few new ones, and was in excited awe the entire time much to the amusement of my friend who went with me. The biggest takeaway was that I got to see the bands energy and chemistry up close and personal at a fingers touch away. It is clear to see that this band loves what they do, and they love that they do it together. It was the best concert I have been to, to date….and I saw Pearl Jam, so for me that says a lot.
If you have never heard of Old Dominion, I encourage you to check them out and give them a listen. If their No Bad Vibes Tour is coming to your area, get your tickets! They’ll be on tour through 2024.
Allyson Romano
CLICK BELOW TO SEE f28 COVERAGE OF THEIR SHOW IN RALEIGH!
