Justin Till, 121 North

This originally appeared in the July issue, Buddy Magazine.

This EP, five songs bringing 20 minutes of 121 North’s forceful music to the listener, is loaded with the extraordinary co-lead vocals and harmonies and smooth but  instrumentation of this North Texas band. Songs about life as the various band members have lived it.

One of the four originals, “Moon and Back,” first appeared on the band’s earlier CD. Lead singer Justin Till wrote it, as he did the kick-off tune, “Running Down The Road.” Guitarist Chris Stuart wrote the current release off the EP, “County Line,” and the whole band, including its former lead singer Wade Kilgore, wrote the title song, “Ride Of Your Life”. Their last song is the 1989 Tom Petty hit, “Free Falling,” and as if the other songs hadn’t already showcased Till’s  voice, with him at vocals, “Free Falling” becomes 121 North’s own.

Drummer Johnny Pope said that this 5-song EP is a prelude to a full CD on which they are working now, with the whole band, including new co-lead singer Sean Franks, writing all the songs together. “It will be all new material,” Pope said. He described it as having a  “very rockin’, but current, Nashville sound.” Max O’Neal rounds out 121 North with his steady, progressive bass beats.