Drive-By Truckers Take a Bow For 'Bright' Debut

As the clock struck midnight last evening (Jan. 10), Athens, Georgia's Drive-By Truckers took the stage in a tightly packed 40 Watt Club to debut tunes from their forthcoming LP, Brighter Than Creation's Dark (out Jan. 22 via New West). Really, it was a humble celebration as the alt-country quintet performed Brighter in its entirety while all show proceeds were donated to Nuci's Space, a non-profit organization benefiting the mental and musical wellness of the Athens performing community. At the mic, bearded frontman Patterson Hood ultimately claimed Alabama as home, but excited concertgoers knew well enough that Athens is truly the band's haven as he exclaimed, "Athens, Georgia... I think I like y'all!"

Beer guzzlin' fans raised their cans in salute to DBT, hollering wildy with anticipation as Brighter Than Creation's Dark proceeded gracefully with soulful pedal steel guitar and sweeping percussion. The sentimental "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife" made for a sweet intro, but the night's first big rocker, "The Righteous Path," got the crowd's hips-a-shakin'. About halfway through, the heavens opened up outside -- and just as Georgia's been thirsty for water during this record drought season -- leaving DBT fans extra sated. The Truckers owned the night, and it was a bold, comfortable, 'bright' start behind their latest labor of love.  

We asked: Seeing as the name of the new Drive-By Truckers album is Brighter Than Creation's Dark, if you could be stranded with anyone in the Garden of Eden, who would it be?