The Band Perry may not be the oldest country band, but in the last few years they’ve shown they’re among the best. Most famous for their moving ballad “If I Die Young,” the siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry form a talented trio of pop singers who continue to release quality country music.
With Kimberly doing lead vocals, Reid on background vocals and bass guitar and Neil on mandolin, drums and accordion, the three have conjured an impressive resume since they signed up with Republic Nashville in 2009. In the years since then they have released six singles, ranging from 2010’s “If I Die Young” to 2011’s “All Your Life” to last year’s “Better Dig Two.”
Kimberly’s strong and passionate voice shines through all of these songs, but “If I Die Young” and “Better Dig Two” are definite stand outs. Both songs deal with themes of death, with the former about a young girl who dies before really living and the latter about a newly married woman who would literally die for her husband. “If I Die Young” deals more with the tragedy of a life tragically cut short, with lyrics like “the sharp knife of a short life” tinged with an innocent sadness by Kimberly.
“Better Dig Two,” on the other hand, is a different beast entirely. While “If I Die Young’s” acoustics and fiddles sell a sweet romantic angle, “Better Dig Two” has a harder, almost fanatical tone to it as Kim sings of how “if divorce or death ever do us part/the coroner will call it a broken heart.”
While not all of the Perrys’ songs deal with death, their willingness to confront such heavy themes and the passion that comes through in their vocals and music make them a country band to be reckoned with. Bradley students will get to experience the Band Perry first-hand when they come down for Bradley’s Spring Concert, set for April 21.
