Halfway to Hazard (StyleSonic/Mercury, 2007)

It's high-time to get "countrified" with this talented duo on their debut. Hailing from coal-country in eastern Kentucky, David Tolliver and Chad Warrix release this country-rockin' offering produced by Tim McGraw and released as a joint venture on Mercury and McGraw's new label StyleSonic. The name of the band pays homage to the town that is halfway between the duos' respective hometowns.

Armed with dueling acoustic guitars and trading turns behind the mike, childhood friends Tolliver and Warrix sing about their blue-collar upbringing and true tales of rural life on this arresting debut.

The opener, "Countrified" is a southern-rock flavored in-your-face barn-burner that sets the tone for the 11 tracks to come. Co-written with Music Row veteran songsmith Jeffery Steele, the tune is reminiscent of the Road Hammers. This country fried concoction blends southern rock with a generous helping of modern country for a concoction that goes down as smooth as bourbon from their home state.