Whiskey Myers Keeps the Pedal Down with “Tailspin” – A Raw Glimpse into Whomp Whack Thunder
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Southern country rockers Whiskey Myers are no strangers to turning up the heat, and their latest offering, “Tailspin,” is a testament to their unwavering intensity. This scorching track is the second single from their highly anticipated seventh album, Whomp Whack Thunder, set to drop on September 26 via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records. Following the adrenaline-fueled lead single “Time Bomb,” “Tailspin” proves that this multi-platinum independent band isn’t just maintaining momentum—they’re hitting the gas.
“Tailspin” immediately grabs you with that signature Whiskey Myers swagger. It’s a relentless blend of gritty guitars, pounding rhythms, and unflinching lyrics. You can feel the band leaning into the chaos as frontman Cody Cannon belts out: “I was cruising for a little while, but now I’m in a tailspin / If I’m going out, I’m going out in style / I’m headed for the bottom again.” It’s equal parts a defiant anthem and a raw confession, delivering a visceral portrayal of life in freefall—chasing fleeting relief, clinging to vices, and perhaps, just hoping for a parachute to deploy somewhere on the way down. The track’s unfiltered energy and hard-driving instrumentation showcase Whiskey Myers at their most urgent and unapologetic, offering a compelling preview of what’s to come on the full album.
Whomp Whack Thunder: Forged in the Pines, Shaped in Nashville
Born from the piney woods of East Texas and meticulously shaped in the soul of Nashville, Whomp Whack Thunder is a strong statement from this genre-defying six-piece. The album was crafted during an immersive three-week session with renowned producer Jay Joyce, a name synonymous with bringing edge, atmosphere, and unpredictability to every project he touches (think Eric Church, Cage the Elephant, Halestorm, Lainey Wilson). This collaboration clearly pushed the band into new, exciting territory without sacrificing their core identity.
As lead guitarist John Jeffers shared when the project was announced, “We didn’t set out to chase a specific sound – we set out to make a Whiskey Myers record.” And they’ve done just that. “Jay pulled something out of us that’s raw and real, and every track’s got a piece of our story in it. This album’s about where we’ve been, what we’ve lived and the scars we earned along the way – and I think Whomp Whack Thunder might just be our most fearless album yet.” This isn’t just hype; it’s the sound of a band at the height of its powers, expertly marrying Southern swagger with arena-sized rock and truly soul-searching songwriting.
A Journey Through Lived Experience
Frontman Cody Cannon penned all 11 tracks solo, delivering stories that hit with the emotional weight of lived experience and the undeniable firepower of the band’s signature sound. From the breakneck energy of “Tailspin” to the introspective grit of “Icarus” and the raucous stomp of “Ramblin’ Jones,” it’s a record born of countless hours on the road and shaped by nearly two decades of defiant, grassroots momentum.
The album features the full, formidable force of the band: Cannon on vocals and guitar, Jeffers on guitar, Cody Tate on guitar, Jamey Gleaves on bass, Jeff Hogg on drums, and Tony Kent adding percussion and piano. Joyce’s contributions of keys, organ, and additional guitar further enrich the sonic landscape, stretching from greasy blues-rock riffs to gospel-tinged country soul. It’s a diverse yet cohesive collection that solidifies their unique place in the modern music scene.
Catch Them on the Road
Before the full album drops this fall, fans have ample opportunities to catch early previews of the new music live. The “What We Were Born To Do Tour” kicked off on June 6 and will hit cities across the U.S. throughout the summer. Whiskey Myers will also be co-headlining 14 dates of the “Live in 25 Tour” with Tedeschi Trucks Band later this year. And for the ultimate fan experience, they’re headlining their own personally curated Moon Crush “Whiskey Moon” music vacation, taking over Miramar Beach, Florida, from November 7-9.
“Tailspin” is a powerful indicator that Whomp Whack Thunder is shaping up to be a defining chapter for Whiskey Myers. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s unapologetically them. Get ready for September 26.
Photo Credit: Khris Poage