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Somehow what weve got never breaks down, Rhett Miller sings on Old 97s exhilarating new album, Twelfth. At first, the line comes off as a boast, as a declaration of invincibility from a band thats managed to survive three decades of rock and roll debauchery, but as the phrase repeats over and over again, it slowly transforms into something more incredulous, something more vulnerable, something deeply human.We experienced some close calls over the last few years, says Miller, and I think that led us to this dawning realization of the fragility of it all. At the same time, it also led us to this increased gratitude for the music and the brotherhood weve been so lucky to share. I think all of that combined to make recording this album one of the most intensely joyful experiences weve ever had as a band.That joy is utterly palpable on Twelfth. Loose and raw, the record is an ecstatic celebration of survival, a resounding ode to endurance and resilience from a veteran group that refuses to rest on their considerable laurels. Working out of Sputnik Sound in Nashville, Miller and his longtime bandmatesbassist Murry Hammond, guitarist Ken Bethea, and drummer Philip Peeplesteamed up once again with GRAMMY-winning producer Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White), and while the resulting album boasts all the hallmarks of a classic Old 97s record (sex and booze, laughter and tears, poetry and blasphemy), it also showcases a newfound perspective in its writing and craftsmanship, a maturity and appreciation that can only come with age and experience. Perhaps the band is growing up; maybe theyre just getting started. Either way, Old 97s have never been happier to be alive.
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