Before she was unceremoniously dropped when after they signed a contract with Mercury Records, Simone Simonton was the drummer for the Georgia’s newest country sensation, Sugarland. She was also one of their principal songwriters. While the remainder of Sugarland chose to sell their souls and churn out generic country that was embraced by Wal-Mart America, Simonton got together with a group of friends and created what Sugarland should have become; a group of great musicians having a fun time creating hard driving country music.

“These country kids are putting on a show,” boast co-lead singers Vanessa Olivarez and Geoff Reid on the sizzling opening track, “This Is How We Roll,” but, as Muhammed Ali said, “It ain’t bragging if it’s true.” They cover all the typical country terrain. Pick-ups, old dogs, beer, margaritas, God, small town girls with big dreams, and wild trips to Mexico are all referenced, yet their sheer exuberance makes it all seem fresh. Olivarez, a top 12 finalist on season two of American Idol, has vocals every bit as powerful and clear as Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, but her twang is more sincere, often recalling the incredibly underrated Kelly Willis. She can sing barroom rockers such as the opening cut and “It’s Insane” just as effortlessly as she can lament about a relationship gone wrong in “Look My Way.” Reid rugged vocals compliment her wonderfully.

These guys are obviously having a blast playing together, and their joy is infectious. On those few times when they feel like they’re about to slip into a boring country groove, Bobby Yang throws in a blistering fiddle solo, just to remind you how hard country can rock. One thing is for sure: if the devil ever comes back to Georgia and meets up with Yang, he’ll be out one more golden fiddle that he’ll be laying at Bobby’s feet.

South 70 plays Eddie’s Attic Wednesday, November 22nd, 7:30 pm.

Official site: www.south70.com