Pete Scobell Band’s debut album, Walkin A Wire, is a rare and genuine embodiment of American pride. The 12-track LP is a diverse collection of songs that captivate the complex spirit of our country. With a voice that is somehow both raw and refined, Scobell shares stories that inspire us to seize the moment, but still pay attention to the defining memories of our past.
These recurring themes seem incredibly fitting given the trials that Scobell had to endure leading up to this point in his life. After serving for 17 years as a Navy SEAL, he was severely injured under fire. While recovering from a traumatic brain injury, his doctors encouraged him to revisit music, an old hobby, to help facilitate healing. Once Scobell was back on his feet, he recorded a song for a documentary about Afghanistan. By chance, this opportunity brought his music to the ears of Wynonna Judd and her husband, Cactus Moser. Judd joined him on his debut single “Hearts I Leave Behind,” which was recorded by request of Taya Kyle, widow of American Sniper Chris Kyle. The song reached #1 on the iTunes Country Singles Charts earlier this year.
Scobell builds on the success of “Hearts I Leave Behind” with his debut album Walkin A Wire, which refreshingly straddles the line between pop and rock/outlaw country. Similar to artists such as Eric Church, his songs are mainstream and yet still slightly on the fringe of the status quo.
The title track, “Walkin’ A Wire,” was written by Nashville heavy hitters Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman and David Lee Murphy The verse melodies evoke a nostalgic feeling similar to Eric Church’s “Springsteen,” but driving rhythms and positive lyrics create a forward-moving ambience. This is a love song that brilliantly captures the vulnerability behind taking those first few steps in a relationship.
The leadoff single, “Wild,” written by Alex Kline, Michael Sprinkle and John Dee Edwards, offers a hauntingly honest twist on the word. Described by Scobell as “the only military-leaning song” on the album, the song illustrates the guttural, heart-rending reality of losing a best friend to war. In the midst of such inconsolable confusion, he literally “goes wild.” The bridge offers a chillingly sincere acknowledgement of the double meaning of the word with the lyrics: “I went wild / like we did when we were state champs / kings of the high school dance /you threw me that touchdown and /our whole town went wild.”
“Guns & Roses,” written by Rodney Clawson Cop, Jon Nite, and Ross Copperman is a playfully clever twist on a classic concept in which a girl leaves t-shirt behind with a guy, who later is flooded with memories of a perfect day together when he finds it in his truck. The t-shirt, much like Cinderella’s glass slipper, is somehow the tie that still binds them together, even after the night is over. The concept is complete with chorus lyrics that sing, “Girl that sunrise goodbye happened way too fast/ Love for you to get it back/ Come get it back.”
Walkin A Wire, is a refreshing revival of classic country in an era that could use a shift away from party anthems. Scobell’s incredible artistry is born from a rare and deep understanding of all of the topics he sings about. An album with a voice as honest as his deserves to be heard.