Neon Moons Day Late and a Dollar Short

By Brian Rock

When you hear a new honky-tonk band is releasing a debut album, your first question is probably, “Are they from Texas or Tennessee?” New York’s Neon Moons is seeking to change those assumptions. Hailing from the Hudson Valley area of upstate New York, the band plays the kind of authentic, dust-on-your-boots honky-tonk usually associated with areas much further south. Their debut, Day Late and a Dollar Short, is a hard-hitting, hard-drinking album that stands toe to toe with many of the finest recent releases in the genre.

The title song is a semi-autobiographical tribute to those struggling to get by. Outlaw country rhythms drive the hard luck story as the band struggles to catch a break. And, according to lead singer, Brett Miller, “When I finally get there someone else got there before.” Jangling guitar and pedal steel soften the tale of woe and add an undercurrent of hope as Miller declares, “I know someday baby, I’m gonna get my share of mine.” Miller’s “Waylon Jennings meets Isaac Gibson” (of 49 Winchester) voice is perfectly suited for this style of country.

“Hard Way,” discloses why the band always finds themselves in such dire straits. Singing, “I learned early on what it means to get the horns. I’ve been messin’ with the bull since the day I was born;” Miller confesses to a long-standing stubborn streak. The Outlaw country tones accentuate the defiant attitude of the song. Scooting slightly left on the dancefloor the band explores traditional honky-tonk on, “Hey Mr. Jukebox.” Harking back to the days before party DJs, the song commemorates grabbing a beer at your favorite watering hole and popping a quarter in the jukebox to find the perfect song to match your mood. “One Glass of Wine,” and “Where I Go,” also dive deep into gloriously authentic honky-tonk melodies. “Don’t Tempt Me Satan,” “She Just Came to Dance,” and “Stoned on a Country Song,” add a touch of southern rock to the honky-tonk hoedown. The latter of which celebrates people from different backgrounds coming together in perfect harmony while blissing out to the harmonies of great music. “On Down the Road,” explores cosmic country with a heavy dose of Jerry Garcia inspired guitar. “15 MPG,” explores classic country tones and tropes as Miller sings the praise of his new rolling home.  “Long Line,” also hearkens to classic country with an opening line that instantly recalls Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” and a theme that expounds on Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line.” Turning their attention to ballads, the band moans the country blues on, “At the Bottom,” and “Crazy.” The latter is not a cover of its more famous namesake. It is however, a worthy homage to Willie Nelson and every honky-tonk hero whoever spilled a tear in his beer. For a debut album, Neon Moons gives us a lot to like here. These Hudson Valley honky-tonkers are the real deal.

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Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.

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