“Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold” serves as the next step on a stairway to greatness for Mike and the Moonpies.

For months Mike and the Moonpies have hinted at the possibility of a brand new album and a recent release of the single, ‘You Look Good in Neon‘ only added fuel to the fire. ‘Danger‘, a song penned straight to lead-singer Mike Harmeier’s young son has also been a part of the set list for a while but there was no word on when (or even if) the full record was coming.

Then came midnight on Friday, August 2, 2019.

The band first created a stir by blanking out their social media profiles earlier in the day and the group’s website also appeared offline. Then they reappeared, first as a full silver slate before turning to gold later in the evening. Finally, at midnight many fans knew what to expect but the album, and story behind its recording, were far better than anyone could have imagined.

Pushing the limits and proving to think outside-the-box, producer Adam Odor and David Percefull took the band to the historic Abbey Road Studios in London. Harmeier cut a cover of  ‘London Homesick Blues‘ from Gary P. Nunn and the entire record is backed by London Symphony Orchestra members.

The Moonpies haven’t swayed too far from center though, there’s still plenty of country guitar licks available from Catlin Rutherford and smooth pedal steel out of Zach Moulton. Kyle Ponder keeps everyone in line on the drums and bassist Omar Oyoque, a fan favorite at live shows, is noticeably solid making his Moonpies album debut, in addition to former traveling member John Carbone on keys. Guest appearances from Shooter Jennings, Nikki Lane and Season Ammons are also scattered throughout the track list.

An eight-song journey that seemingly arrived out of nowhere taking listeners through the witty lyrics of ‘Miss Fortune‘, an upbeat ‘Fast as Lightning‘ with an exceptional ending and the title track, ‘Cheap Silver‘ that precedes the aptly named “Solid Country Gold”.

Arguably the best live show around just got even better with the (hopeful) addition of these novel and soon to be classics. Harmeier continues to impress and you can witness it all for yourself next month across North Carolina.

UPCOMING NC TOUR DATES

09/05 – The Grey Eagle – Asheville – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

09/06 – Puckett’s Farm Equipment – Charlotte – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

09/07 – Hopscotch Music Festival – Raleigh – TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE