Review
My cousin Jake used to say that real music should feel like a conversation with your best friend after a few too many beers on the back porch - honest, a little messy, and completely from the heart. That's exactly what Koe Wetzel serves up on "Sellout," his third full-length record that arrived in 2020 like a tornado through a trailer park. This Texas tornado doesn't just blend country, rock, and punk - he throws them in a blender with some whiskey and lets the sparks fly across all 14 tracks he co-wrote. From the rock-heavy heartbreak of "Cold and Alone" to the soul-crushing tribute "Good Die Young" about losing a dear friend, Wetzel's storytelling cuts deeper than a Sunday sermon.
What makes this album special is how Wetzel owns that "sellout" label and flips it on its head, especially on the rebellious "Kuntry & Wistern" where he challenges anyone questioning his authenticity. The production gives off serious ZZ Top vibes mixed with that raw emotional honesty that makes you want to simultaneously punch a wall and call your ex. Sure, the rough edges might not be everyone's cup of sweet tea, but those imperfections are what make it genuine - like finding your grandfather's old guitar with all the dings and scratches that tell a story. I'd rate this one a solid "extra sugar with a shot of bourbon" - it's got that bite that keeps you coming back for more. - Brandie
Artist Bio
Koe Wetzel, hailing from Pittsburg, Texas, is a singer-songwriter known for mixing country, rock, outlaw country, and grunge into a sound all his own. He began performing at a young age, influenced by his mother's country singing career, and started releasing music in the early 2010s with his band "Koe Wetzel and the Konvicts" before breaking out on his own with the album Noise Complaint in 2016. Wetzel's music, often noted for its raw, rowdy lyrics and energy, appeals especially to college audiences and listeners looking for a grittier take on country. Over the years, he's charted Billboard success, signed with Columbia Records, and even launched his own music venue, while his songs and persona nod to both classic outlaws and grunge icons. Fans of artists like Parker McCollum, Whiskey Myers, or Turnpike Troubadours may find his genre-bending style familiar yet distinct.
