Four years ago a rag-tag troupe of rockers did one of the most risky moves in the music industry. They formed a country band. However it was not just any country band; it was one that harkened back to the days of old western country, from the authentic compositions to the visual appearance of the band. The surprises didn’t end there; the attitude of the band and lyrical content were brazen in both action and expression; almost to the extent of punk rock. But there is something else, something so subtle that it may seem half imagined, yet a nagging impression of the aura and the autonomous enjoyment of world music encompasses the essence of Brent Amaker and the Rodeo.

“I’m a music fan, I listen to all kinds of music… no one was doing something new with Country,” Brent Amaker said, vocalist and acoustic guitarist for Brent Amaker and the Rodeo.

There is a highly raucous, festive atmosphere to their live shows that is translated in their recorded work. Their third and most recent effort, which will be released on October 19 titled Please Stand By, produces a far cleaner recording than their previous albums. However the sensation that one had just fired up an aged jukebox of a dusty recording in an old hardwood dive-bar still remains. There is a new ease of accessibility in Please Stand By which doesn’t compromise the authentic roots of the project. Through all the intriguing nostalgic harmonies an in-you-face attitude, which has sparked interest in the music community, lends a contemporary face to the band.

“The live scenes outside of Country music are more ready to embrace us… The biggest evolution for us was probably touring,” Amaker said.

Lyrically Brent Amaker adheres to a sense of storytelling and narrative within his songs, however there are more occurrences of free verse than by similar artists (alla Johnny Cash). Times of contemplation and tales of life lessons appear in songs such as ‘Blood Dripping Blood’ and ‘Doomed’, while upbeat tracks ‘Saddle Up’ and ‘Talk Talk Talk Talk Talk’ seem to perpetually live on a live stage. Melancholy, naturally, is present in its country expression as seen on songs like ‘Garden of Love’ and ‘Man in Charge’.

In the process of turning heads Brent Amaker and the Rodeo have turned many ideologies and social commonalities on their heads. Northwestern, and particularly Seattle, bands typically have a ‘hometown’ feeling to them; however BAatR’s image and music exist outside of the characteristic scene. Brent Amaker mentioned that the country garb, which had initially been a stage costume, was now the band members’ daily attire – ironically causing life to imitate art.

Sometimes it’s best to forget about what you know about genres, about what you may think you know about good music and – simply – relax. Let the music play, don’t constantly fret about what it is/should/might be and give yourself a chance to enjoy sound. Close your eyes if it becomes too hard to do it with them open.

“People who have not previously liked Country music, but understand the attitude of punk rock; give these cowboys a shot,” Amaker said.

The Wild West hooligans will continue to caper around the world, with their next appearance happening at the Crocodile Café on October 22 in Seattle. For more information on the show click here. In the spring of 2011 Please Stand By will be released in Europe, and Brent Amaker and the Rodeos will be doing an international tour in concurrence with the albums release.