Veteran prog/jam outfit Umphrey’s McGee has channeled their inner-Americana on a new recording of their country-inspired single, “Ride On Pony”. The song’s arrival on Thursday acts as the band’s first new original studio track since the surprise release of it’s you in May 2018.
Guitarist Jake Cinninger, who wrote the song, takes on lead vocal duties on “Ride On Pony”, which is filled with big drums and guitar sound, as with any 1990s-era country-rock anthem. Cinninger was inspired to write it in an attempt to reach the “blue-collar” style of artists like Bob Seger who he listened to while growing up, according to the single’s premiere via Rolling Stone Country.
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“This song goes back almost to pre-adolescence,” Cinninger added in a statement. “It harkens back to the days of those mixed-up feelings and trying to cut loose. We tried to recapture some of those magical years gone past.”
While the recording of “Ride on Pony” may be new, the song itself is far from it. The song saw its live debut back on April 5th, 2009 during an acoustic show at Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT. According to Allthings.um, “Ride On Pony” has only been played 16 times since its spring 2009 debut, making it quite the rarity in the UM live catalog. It’s also worth noting that the nickname for UM bassist Ryan Stasik is “Pony”, hence the band’s artistic direction for the song’s official artwork.
Listen to the band’s new recording for “Ride On Pony” below.
Umphrey’s McGee – “Ride On Pony”
[Video: Umphrey’s McGee]
The band’s next show will be that of their 80s-inspired alias, the Omega Moos, who will perform at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, IL tomorrow night (December 13th). From there, it’s off to Denver, CO in a few weeks for the band’s New Year’s run of shows, followed by early winter and spring 2020 dates as part of their ongoing Hindsight 20/20 Tour.