Sampling The Gourds’ tasty southern fruits
![Alt-country group the Gourds in their second Billings performance May 6, 2009.](https://penandpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/gourds21.jpg)
![Gourds lead singer](https://penandpaige.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/gourds11-300x197.jpg)
With classic country stylings, folk-inspired songs and a slew of other influences including bluegrass, punk and zydeco, the Austin, Texas-based alt-country band The Gourds defy category, but are perhaps best-known for their eulogy to bitches, hoes, money and indo.
The band may have grown famous from their unique twist on Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice,” but have plenty more songs of substance in their songbook to make the Montana crowds pack in like sardines to see them on Wednesday night.
A lively and dynamic group, The Gourds returned to Billings for a second appearance since last April and brought their good-natured and easy-going jams back to the packed brewery. The line for beer was out the door and crowd members seemed anxious to party.
Thought it was drizzling rain outdoors, the early show was one of the first concerts of the year that it was nice enough to throw open the brewery door, and the patrons spilled outdoors. Lead singer Kevin Russell’s voice, laden with power and a twinge grizzled, propelled the band through a rich and well-received set.