[3/5]
Recorded just prior to Drag The River's 2007 split, You Can't Live This Way arguably captures a band in distress. Distress can be great for art, and these wistful alt-country (nee punk) jams are certainly earnest and enjoyable. The overt stylistic differences between principal members Jon Snodgrass (Armchair Martian) and Chad Price (ALL) fractures this release when consumed whole. There's a somewhat compelling friction to be found as a result, but This Way often feels like two distinct songwriters pissing it out over who's more drunk, miserable or salty. Thankfully, both of these glum alterna-cowpokes are quite good at this dynamic. Their differences--Price's more traditional take against Snodgrass' more nuanced and quirky one--could stand to be reconciled more elegantly. Still, the pairing is definitely interesting. (SUBURBAN HOME) Ronen Kauffman
 Official Website: http://www.suburbanhomerecords.com
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