Drug Country - Country Drugs (2026)

If you rhyme “I stop in this little bar” with “drink whiskey and listen to Big Star”, then you’ve already won me over to a large extent. Richmond, Virginia-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist John Russell does it in House Pour, one of the twelve songs—streaming services provide a thirteenth track—on Country Drugs, his debut record under the moniker of Drug Country.

It’s not just the lyrics that are appealing; the versatile instrumentation and arrangements are just as worthy and surprising, with striking guitar hooks, and sound effects that occasionally lend it a cinematic air. Expect a pretty lo-fi blend of indie pop, slacker rock and front-porch folk, with an intimate live vibe. This is forty-two minutes of delightful detours through a splendidly distorted oasis.