Tip Sheet: Arliss Nancy

Speaking of Mile Hi-Fidelity, here’s another show favorite. Those who tuned in more than once likely heard “Wrong or Right” by this band, which we spun quite a few times. If you’re drawn to the raw, emotionally-charged song stylings of Lucero, then Fort Collins-based Arliss Nancy is going to strike an immediate chord. While various comparisons often get tossed off and attached to certain acts — only to be parroted ad-nauseum by subsequent music scribes — most generally fall short of describing a certain band’s sound. This one, however, is unmistakable and dead-on. We’d be lying if we didn’t acknowledge that the music of Lucero casts a giant shadow on the songs of Arliss Nancy, mostly due to frontman Cory Call’s tattered bellow, which instantly recalls that of Ben Nichols.

But that’s really only a starting reference point. Fact is, the group has just
as much in common with acts like the Drive By Truckers and the
Replacements. Although Call, who wrings every last ounce of emotion out
of his vocals, and his band mates — bassist Dayton Hicks, guitarist
Tim Browne and drummer Ishmael Johnson — are admittedly working from a
similar hardscrabble, whiskey-soaked, fire-breathing, southern rock
template, the outfit operates with such conviction that you have no
trouble believing every word and hanging on to every note. If you’re
looking for meat and potatoes rock with a twinge of twang that will
leave you balling your eyes out, clutching your heart and feeling more
alive than ever, meet Arliss Nancy. Check out a few songs after the
jump and if you like what you hear, head over to iTunes and pick up a copy of the band’s exceptional latest effort, Dance to Forget.

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