Joshua Watson
Published: November 23, 2005
The Pensacola music scene is receiving a gradual, yet very important facelift. It’s a change that we need, a change that is bringing talented musicians with thought-provoking lyrics into the limelight.
At the forefront of this change is the alternative country and indie rock outfit named Reynosa. This five-member band uses personal influences, along with influences from artists ranging from Ryan Adams and Wilco to the Get Up Kids and MxPx, to create a sound all their own.
“It is essentially as the Osmonds put it,” explains lead guitarist Nathan Dillaha. “It’s a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll.”
Oddly enough, he couldn’t be any more correct. The band has developed a sound which incorporates the honest, yet forthright lyrics of singer Jordan Richards, with the distinctive twang of all the great country artists.
And don’t forget the rock and roll. Riffs are littered throughout every song, accompanied by some mad tambourine, which is performed intensely by keys player Matt Putnam.
From experiencing a Reynosa performance, it is very apparent that the band is unafraid of blending genres to maximize their sound. They care not about labels, but rather about ensuring a good time for all who attend the show.
Nothing too flashy and nothing too vague; this five-piece comes to the table wholeheartedly and raw, something that is lacking in today’s overall music scene. The lyrics could stand alone based on merit, as could the music, but it is the delicate combination of these two elements that magnifies how the music is taken in.
The live show is passionate, raw, yet still completely professional, as these very talented musicians display how quickly a group can leap from local obscurity to regional greatness.
Reynosa plans to independently record and release an EP with local producer Ryan Leal. The EP will be available at an upcoming Reynosa show. The band is also looking into playing the yearly SXSW (South by Southwest) Festival in Austin, Texas. SXSW is a music festival which showcases up and coming independent bands for record labels and for the public.