Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton, more commonly known as Muscadine Bloodline, have recently become two of my favorite guys on the country music scene. Both grew up in Mobile, Alabama but didn’t become a duo until 2016 when they were both living in Nashville. They’ve been writing, playing and singing songs together ever since.
In 2016, they released a few singles and eventually their debut self titled EP in 2017. ‘Can’t Tell You No,’ their most recent single, released earlier in March, was a great preview of their recently released second EP. ‘Movin’ On,’ produced by Luke Laird and Creative Nation, is a combination of sounds that come together perfectly to describe the gentlemen that make up Muscadine Bloodline. Muncaster’s voice and Stanton’s guitar playing blend together so seamlessly you’d think they’ve been playing together since they lived in Mobile. A little bit of country twang, bluegrass, pop and rock, these guys have created their own strand of country. Rolling Stone puts it perfectly when they compared them to Love and Theft and New Found Glory. Perfectly paired together as co-writers, these guys tell a story and share an experience with every song.
1.) ‘Gravel’ – Written by Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster and Derek George.
Impression: The album opens with a song about love gone wrong. With a laid back vibe and unique sound, a night out turns into one too many drinks for one man and his girl driving away with her ex. A blend of a gnarly guitar solo and relaxed vibes let listeners know this duo is well tuned when it comes to versatility.
Favorite Lyrics: Left my heart covered in dust as she’s kickin up gettin’ gone. Not a tear in her eye when she said “goodbye”
2.) ‘You on Me’ – Written by Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster and Tyler Reeve.
Impression: With a guitar intro from Stanton, the duo goes on to talk about their favorite things to wear like an old high school state ring, favorite pair of jeans, or favorite band tee. But they know nothing looks better on them than a girl. This song will get you tapping your toe and snapping your fingers along with it.
Favorite Lyrics: There ain’t no way to hide this smile, good God almighty you’re drivin’ me wild.
3.) ‘Can’t Tell You No’ – Written by Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster, Chase McGill and Will Weatherly.
Impression: The second single from this EP and it’s a great representation of the alternative sound on this album. The guys shared that ‘Can’t Tell You No’ is their take on ‘a swanky, sexy, love song.’
Favorite Lyrics: I can tell you, who’s left standing on the bachelor, oh I can tell you that there’ll be laughter from my buddies making fun of me.
4.) ‘Put Me on a Pond’ – Written by Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster and Josh Jenkins.
Impression: A blend of something similar to Little Big Town’s ‘Pontoon’ and some country twang, these guys have such an exclusive sound. The vibe, the sound, the lyrics, all come together to create exactly what you want in a song when you are floating around in the sun. While these guys rather be on a lawn chair, put me on a float and press play, it’s a perfect soundtrack for a lazy summer day.
Favorite Lyrics: Ditching this day like our name is Ferris Bueller, tell the boss I’m sick, drop the phone and I’m gone.
5.) ‘Movin’ On’ – Written by Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster and Cary Barlowe.
Impression: This title track is all about the healing process of a breakup. The song moves us along recognizing signs of moving on. Friends no longer ask, memories don’t sting as much, the mention of their name doesn’t phase you anymore. As listeners, we can relate. It’s a reminder that with time you can move on however, it does take time and it’s not easy.
Favorite Lyrics: One day you wake up, the hurt ain’t as strong. Maybe, maybe, maybe you’re just moving on.
Unfortunately, the closest Muscadine Bloodline is getting to New England is a show in Delaware however, we will be keeping our eyes out for these two! In the meantime, be sure to give ‘Movin’ On’ a listen to.