Porter Robinson Returns to the Stage With a Full Band
24th October 2024Hardy first made his mark as a writer for country artists like Florida Georgia Line and Morgan Wallen; now, after many years as a side writer he is diving headfirst into performer waters with his latest album release.
The Mockingbird & The Crow is divided into two sides; those featuring lowercase songs lean toward country composition while those written with capitals invoke caustic grunge that could shake Ozzfest crowds to their core.
1. The Mockingbird & The Crow
Hardy makes his double album an excruciatingly painful listening experience. Starting off on the country side with songs that sound similar to country radio and play into all of the cliches that are associated with country music, then switching gears by making multiple nods to Walmart as though it were some sort of sentimental part of Southern culture that must be preserved, it quickly becomes impossible to enjoy this work of art.
Hardy takes an enormous step forward when he fully commits to his rock side of things on this album and unleashes his vocal style, producing some really interesting tracks while still sounding generic compared to country songs. Most notable among this group is ‘RADIO SONG’ featuring A Day To Remember frontman Jeremy McKinnon of A Day To Remember who provides heavy metal-influenced breakdowns and growling vocals which makes this track by far one of the standout tracks on this release.
2. One Beer
HARDY proves his versatility by writing songs about more than beer and tailgate parties on this tearjerker featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson harmonies. Co-written by Jake Mitchell and Nashville songwriter Hilary Lindsey, it tells the tale of how one simple moment can transform lives forever.
This sentimental country banger will no doubt appeal to his target audience and serve as an excellent example of HARDY’s incredible, magical country sounds on his debut record. Tracks such as TRUCK (Opener) and A Rock (Closer), inverting every country stereotype, create a refreshing sound on this record that make this album truly original and innovative.
Hardy does sound saddened when discussing how Walmart is ruining small towns and their cultures in this album; his statements don’t add anything new and don’t justify the purchase when he has already proven to be an engaging country singer.
3. Truck Bed
Hardy stands out among a country world that often favors pop-country confections with his menacing rock tones. On his double platinum 2023 album The Mockingbird & The Crow, Hardy showcases these talents at their most powerful. Listen out for his heavy rock sound in “No Other Word.”
He brings in actor King Bach, former Tennessee Titans player Taylor Lewan and professional golfer John Daly to perform in her backyard as she looks on disapprovingly. They all rip into a full-throttle electric guitar performance before screaming into chorus like they have drunk too much alcohol themselves.
Lyrically, this song speaks directly to anyone who has experienced an excessive night of drinking and debauchery. Co-written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps for country radio anthem status; directed by Justin Clough’s music video for it shows friends having loads of unadulterated fun – be sure to watch below.
4. Wait In The Truck
HARDY joined forces with fellow 2022 ACM Songwriter of the Year Lainey Wilson to record a country song that told a narrative – creating an emotionally charged murder ballad which sent shockwaves through country music with its sensitive topic matter and backwoods justice.
A shocking account of an abused hitchhiking woman being picked up and murdered in her former partner’s house resonated powerfully with country fans, catalyzing chart-topping success for an artist as well as appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and CMT Awards.
“Wait in the truck” has earned praise from American Songwriter, The Tennessean, Wide Open Country, and Holler as an engrossing story song of domestic violence and vigilante justice that must be experienced. Additionally, its official music video stars Hardy as the drifter and Wilson as the victim; earning them both CMT Collaborative Music Video of the Year nominations in 2015.