The Allendales
Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Music
Press
From the Ground Zero section of the Lincoln Journal Star -
The Allendales are Lincoln's proud purveyors of Americana and, as can be heard on "Low Morals and High Standards," they do it very, very well.
Americana of course, is about as amorphous a category as any in music, a catch-all for the American roots music combination of rock 'n' roll and country typified by the likes of Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt.
That's precisely what The Allendales, who are named after the street, play: a pedal steel sneaking out of the big-beat rock 'n' roll tunes. "Low Morals and High Standards," produced by Sean Beste, captures that sound and the band's alcohol-drenched spirit to perfection. It's one of the best local records I've heard this year and one that's going to get plenty of spins on my players.
- L. Kent Wolgamott
- Lincoln Journal Star
Discography
"Low Morals and High Standards" Released July, 2009
Photos
Bio
Imagine the consequences of The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Wilco, Son Volt, The Band, Social Distortion, and Steve Earle engaged in some kind of atomic orgy—with preternatural consequences—like the formation of an unfathomable super virus. Emboldened by raucous guitars, and layered with perfectly timed riffs and a driving rhythm section, it isn’t mere hyperbole to suggest The Allendales are capable wreaking destruction unlike anything seen by human eyes since the bible. The Dales rely on solid songwriting and three and four part harmonies that bring their songs together tight and seamless; moving almost effortlessly between country, pop, and punk to create a sound that isn’t exactly new, but is definitely warped enough to fit their quirky vision.
The back streets of Lincoln, Nebraska are not historically known for adding much to the artistic community. However, nestled between thoroughfares on the south of town there is a kind of pressure cooker that attracts a very uncommon mixture of the boldest and savviest of local artists. The Allendales take their name from the street where this cosmic intersection sits, where potential seems limitless and threatens to spontaneously burst in to flames. Many of the finest creative minds in Lincoln spend their evenings on Allendale Drive in inspired intoxication, colliding into other patriots sailing under the “Wierd Flag” and exploring the inexorable possibilities Allendale Drive has to offer. One such collision occurred in June of 2007. After just a few short months, The Allendales had already infected the locals, and have now opened for national touring acts such as The Mike McClure Band, Chuck Wicks, Great American Taxi, and The Drams. The Allendales continue to expand their carefully planned domination. They have now ventured in to Omaha, parts of Iowa, and plan to invade Oklahoma and Texas in late July with musical compatriots and Texas heroes, Macon Greyson.
And now that their new album, “Low Morals and High Standards” has hit the streets, it is hard to believe that they’ll be just a local band much longer. Lincoln Journal Star entertainment writer L Kent Wolgamott said “the album, produced by Sean Beste, captures...the band's alcohol-drenched spirit to perfection. It's one of the best local records I've heard this year.” And the residents of Lincoln aren't the only ones catching on. “Low Morals” has started to pop up on podcasts across the internet, and has seen album sales as far away as Belgium. Indeed, The Allendales appear to be on the map and here to stay.
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