TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION

August 4, 2016
Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den
Uncasville, Connecticut

I have to say, I was surprised to find out Texas Hippie Coalition were playing the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun. Not that I should have been considering they have had the likes of Killswitch Engage, Ace Frehley, Hellyeah and not to mention Buckcherry play there in the past.

I have been lucky enough to see THC a number of times over the last couple of years here in Connecticut and was excited to hear some Red Dirt Metal in the Nutmeg state once again. Alright you’re saying to yourself “Red Dirt Metal?” Yes, Red Dirt Metal, a mix of good old heavy metal and southern rock with a dash of country mixed together in Texas and shared across this land by lead singer, Big Dad Ritch.

Big Dad Ritch is an imposing figure, not what you would expect to see fronting a band, a man you would expect to be sitting at the door taking your cover charge and making sure your not the one who will be kicking ass in the joint, and his voice and stage presence back that up.

To the right of Big Dad Ritch are Bassist John Exall and Guitarist Neveda Romo, watching these two play is amazing. John never stood still, hair flying everywhere pounding his bass into submission as he prowled the stage. Nevada was just as animated banging his head and whipping his mane all over as he played.

On Big Dad Ritch’s left was what looked like the youngest member of the band, Cord Pool. Fantastic guitarist, who seemed to be in the zone this evening and I do believe sounding better then when I have seen THC in the past.

Behind Big Dad Ritch, holding it all together is drummer Timmy Braun, for an hour and a half, this man poured his heart into his playing.

THC is touring across the States right in now support of their latest album, “Darkside of Black.” It was well represented in the set list for the evening, songs such as “Come Get It”,”Angel Fall” and “Hit It Again” along with favorites, “Ride On”, “Pissed Off and Mad About It” and “Turn It Up” bringing the crowd to a fervor. I tried to get a picture of the set list, but the paper that was taped to the monitor proved to be the thorn in Big Dad Ritch’s evening, on it in big black handwritten letters, “NO CURSING” or was it “NO CUSSING”, either way it wasn’t the set list I was hoping to see. The memory isn’t what it used to be when trying to remember things.

THC puts on a great live show, everything I go to a show to see is covered. Musicians who are having a good time, lively banter from the singer to the crowd and great music. Top this off with a band who loves their fans and comes out to meet and greet afterwards and you have a perfect evening. I can’t wait to see them again at Rock Carnival at the end of September!