By now, I expect we all know that bands have lots of escape clauses for creative differences and other reasons often cited for making changes.  Sometime in 2007, 3/4 of Austin’s Just Guns (George Irwin, Topher Hyink and Phil Alarmo) suddenly morphed into The Georgian Company, forming an entirely new, more solid, and more mature line-up with the replacement of original drummer (Brian Reed) with some guy called Adam and the permanent addition of Topher’s little bro Travis on guitar and the lovely Chris 9 (AKA Mrs. Alarmo) on keys and backing vocals.  These changes have been a triumph of reorganization.

At the risk of dredging up Austin scene non-drama, Cindy and I both go way, way back with this band.  She’s known the Alarmos forever, while I’ve known George for what seems like a hundred years.  We both knew Topher through different social circles, and my ex-husband and former-drummer Brian were bro-down buddies.  If I were still in Austin, George and Topher would still be my two favorite guys to run into at any show, and I miss them both a lot. As happy as I am here in New York, I have to say that there’s a ton of stuff about being generally awesome that many of our good friends here could learn from them.

The Georgian Company’s first record is out on March 3 and offers a gorgeous, rose-colored vision of what Red River feels like without the hum and bluster of SXSW.  It’s the real fabric of Austin with a side of the Hill Country:  rhythm heavy, epic indie country with keys, virtuoso pedal steel, and George’s sweet vocals.  Right now, for absolutely free, you can listen to Side A here. These kids (who are hardly kids anymore) are ready for their Austin City Limits appearance now, Mr. Lickona.

The Georgian Company play Stubb’s on February 19.  It would be awesome if they’d come up this direction.

<3 pvb

P.S. Congratulations to Kevin and Denny who recently tied the knot.  They met at a Just Guns show.  No matter how much you think you’re over someone, and no matter how proud of someone you are for making different choices and helping you toward better ones, the inevitable still hurts.  Be good to each other and do it better this time around, you big old nerd.