Hailing from Memphis, TN,
the Pawtuckets are one of the more talented and truly rootsy
Uncle Tupelo-influenced alt-country bands that have emerged in the
Wilco/
Son Volt era. Although the
Jay Farrar influence is at times overwhelming,
the Pawtuckets transcend mere imitation through conviction and sheer musicianship. Unfortunately, the album suffers from a lack of truly memorable, hooky songs. That said, the lyric writing is vivid and creative throughout.
Rest of Our Days was recorded at the legendary Ardent studios and the album often reveals that same touch of Southern soul that often pops up in Alex Chilton's work. In addition, several songs make good use of a very '70s R&B-sounding Fender Rhodes piano. Recorded in just one weekend, the album has an appealingly loose groove throughout, but ends up having a bit of sameness by the end. Overall, though,
Rest of Our Days is a fine, energetically played example of modern rural-themed rock. ~ Pemberton Roach