On Saturday, December 26th, 50+ artists and hundreds of thousands of viewers around the world came together for Georgia Comes Alive, a virtual music festival aimed at promoting voter participation in Georgia’s Senate runoff elections on January 5th, 2021, which saw a record-breaking voter turnout.
One of the many acts to add a bit of bluegrass twang to Georgia Comes Alive was Horseshoes & Hand Grenades who delivered a three-song set. From the opening notes, this performance takes on the laid back nature of a jam session out at a friend’s barn. Between the wooden walls and rustic ambiance, the whole performance delivers a reprieve from the stresses of city living.
Kicking off with “Cheyanne” off 2020’s Miles in Blue, things start slow and strong with this ballad headed by Adam Greul. Though Horseshoes & Hand Grenades is often hailed for its dense lineup of skilled instrumentalists, one must also not discount the group’s lyrical prowess. Next on “Never Anew”, the song immediately sets off with the gentle pick of the fiddle, as vocal duties switch to upright bassist Samual Odin. This lonely tune offers another case study in the band’s vivid lyrical imagery.
Finally, on “Northbound”, the energy shoots through the roof as the set becomes a certified hootenanny of a hoedown. The position of lead vocals also goes around the gamut once again as fiddle player Collin Mettelka takes up the task. Though “Cheyanne” and “Never Anew” provided some lofty introspection to GCA audiences, the “Northbound” finale sends crowds stomping into the next set.
Revisit Horseshoes & Hand Grenades’ full set from Georgia Comes Alive below and subscribe to the Live For Live Music YouTube channel for more Georgia Comes Alive videos:
Horseshoes & Hand Grenades – Full Set – Georgia Comes Alive