When hillbilly band The Wilders first named themselves, the members didn’t realize the moniker itself was a bit of old-time snake oil; less of a description, and more a prediction. The foursome also didn’t expect to gain a fifth paranormal band member now known as the Phantom Drummer. But this is just what comes to light on its 2008 release, Someone’s Got to Pay, an Americana album sequenced around a real life murder trial (or as the lyrics say, “An old murder ballad come to life”) and filled out with original tracks that conjure up small town crazies and wrecked lives. But don’t let the dark subject matter fool you, the Wilders just got wilder and the music is more engaging then ever. The Wilders--with a musical soul that lies in the Ozarks--has been heading this way for quite a while. There are the dobro and banjo, old-time fiddle tunes, and allegiances to Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. There are the old-time songs, heartbreak, and hard-driving honky tonk subject matter--all equally intriguing and proving The Wilders as an entertaining band to witness live. Description from last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL.
